Ganduje Exonerates Kano Indigenes of Criminal Activities in Saudi Arabia

The Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has exonerated the indigenes of the state of criminal activities in Saudi Arabia.

The governor said the Saudi Arabian’s new visa system of biometric data capture would assist in curtailing crime.

Speaking over the weekend when he visited the residence of Saudi Arabian Consul in Kano, Sheikh Yusuf Al-Ghamidi, where he was hosted to a dinner, Ganduje also debunked the allegation that most of the criminals arrested in the holy land for various offences were indigenes of Kano.

The governor pointed out that “thorough checks conducted by the government have confirmed that many of such people are indeed from other states and even foreigners, who obtained Nigerian passport fraudulently.”

The governor also recalled on the long standing economic and spiritual relations between Kano and Saudi Arabia, which he stated predated diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Ganduje also pointing out that the relations would be sustained because both geographic entities need each other.

“We can see that you are investing huge resources to provide a big infrastructure along that road, and we feel it is our responsibility to upgrade the road to facilitate movement, since teeming visa applicants will be visiting your offices from time to time,” he said.

He also ordered the reconstruction of Ahmadu Bello way in Kano metropolis as part of his administration’s urban regeneration drive.

The move, he pointed out, would not only complement existing road infrastructure in the state capital but also facilitate access to the multi billion naira Saudi Arabian Consulate complex being constructed along the road.

On his part, the Saudi Arabian consul in Kano, Sheikh Yusuf Al-Ghamidi, said Nigeria was an important associate of the Saudi kingdom and that efforts would be geared toward sustaining the rapport for mutual benefit.

“I want especially thank you for what you are doing to improve relations between us. I appreciate you for accepting our invitation which in itself is a step towards promoting understanding between us,” the Saudi envoy maintained.