KASEMA Replies Ex-Deputy Governor Gwarzo, Says Flood Relief Payments to Begin Soon

The Kano State Emergency Management Agency (KASEMA) has dismissed allegations by former Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over the state’s response to flood victims, assuring residents that relief payments will commence soon.

The Executive Secretary of KASEMA, Alhaji Abdullahi Isyaku Kubarachi, gave the assurance on Tuesday during a news conference in Kano, stressing that disaster management is a humanitarian responsibility that should not be politicised.

Kubarachi said the agency had followed transparent procedures in assessing affected communities and processing relief assistance, adding that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had consistently supported rescue operations, humanitarian interventions, disaster risk reduction efforts, and the protection of lives and property since assuming office.

According to him, the governor’s commitment reflects his dedication to the welfare of residents affected by disasters across the state.

Reacting to criticisms by the former deputy governor, Kubarachi expressed surprise that Gwarzo questioned the agency’s operations despite his familiarity with its procedures while serving in government.

He alleged that following a fire outbreak in Gwarzo Local Government Area, KASEMA carried out an assessment of victims and secured the governor’s approval for relief assistance. However, the planned distribution of relief materials was delayed for more than seven months because Gwarzo, who was asked to preside over the exercise in his community, was unavailable.

Kubarachi said that after repeated appeals from affected residents, Gwarzo eventually informed the agency that he could not attend the event and nominated another government official to represent him.

The KASEMA boss further alleged that Gwarzo, while serving as Commissioner for Local Government, delayed the processing of the bill establishing the State Emergency Management Agency for about eight months.

He attributed the delay to disagreements over funding arrangements, including proposals for local government contributions to support the agency, noting that disasters primarily occur within local government areas.

On the issue of flood relief, Kubarachi explained that KASEMA’s standard procedure requires affected local government councils to formally notify the agency before trained assessment officers, alongside partner organisations, visit affected communities to verify and document victims.

He said the assessment reports are then forwarded to the governor for approval of appropriate interventions.

According to Kubarachi, although 28 local government areas initially reported flood incidents, Governor Yusuf directed that assessments be extended to all 44 local government areas to ensure that no deserving victim was left out.

The exercise, he said, led to the registration of more than 57,000 beneficiaries, with bank accounts opened to enable direct payment of relief funds.

He explained that the scale of the exercise and the need to ensure accurate and credible data made it impossible to complete the process within a short period.

Kubarachi announced that all necessary arrangements for the disbursement of relief payments had been concluded and assured residents that beneficiaries would begin receiving payments soon.

He attributed the delay to the governor’s official engagements outside the state, rather than negligence or a lack of commitment by the government.

The executive secretary urged residents to disregard rumours and avoid spreading unverified information regarding issues affecting the welfare of citizens.

He reaffirmed KASEMA’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and accountability in carrying out its humanitarian responsibilities without discrimination.