Sokoto State defends INEC nominee and administration record

The Sokoto State Government and local civil servants have responded to allegations made by Manir Dan’iya, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, regarding the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu.

Dan’iya has raised concerns over the nomination of Professor Mustapha Aliyu as a National Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), citing a maternal relationship with Governor Aliyu and alleged ties to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The state government, through Special Adviser Faruku Labbo, defended the appointment, asserting it was based on merit and that family ties do not constitute a constitutional disqualification.

Additionally, Dan’iya accused the administration of undermining the civil service and withholding salaries from local government education workers. In response, civil servant Inuwa Muhammad questioned Dan’iya’s own record during his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, noting that previous administrations faced significant challenges with delayed salaries and inadequate facilities that the current administration has worked to address.