Kano State government has demolished the famous Golden Jubilee monument, a multi-million naira statue constructed by immediate past Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s administration.

A special task force on demolition, yesterday, levelled the aesthetic structure, built in 2017 to commemorate 50th anniversary of the state.

Although, the current administration of Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf is engaged in an ongoing demolition of several structures, allegedly sold illegally to individuals by Ganduje, it has disclosed that the rationale behind demolition of the monument was for security and safety reasons.

The unique edifice engraved in traditional aesthetic molecule to depict the Hausa cultural heritage was remodelled in 2019 with the sum of N160 million.

Meanwhile, the demolition is attracting public criticism on social media. The latest came from a publisher and supporter of the current administration, Malam Ja’afar Ja’afar.

Condemning the development in a post on his social media status, Ja’afar wrote: “We must all condemn this thoughtless decision to demolish this monument designed by a young female architect to commemorate Kano’s Golden Jubilee.

“I support the ongoing demolishing of private buildings in schools, hospitals, mosques, but not the wanton destruction of public monuments/buildings, because they were built by Ganduje. I do not like the politician in Ganduje, but I like some of his projects as a governor.”

Two weeks into Yusuf’s administration, four multi-billion-naira buildings have been pulled down, while several structures are already marked for demolition.

Meanwhile, the state government claimed that wide consultations by professional engineers were carried out before the demolition of the statue.

According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa, the professional prediction revealed that the edifice was badly constructed and has the tendency to collapse between 2023 and 2024.

The statement said: “This is because it is done with used foam work and too much sandy materials instead of normal cement concrete. Also, the structure is too tall to be placed in front of the Government House as it defaces its main gate, which blocks the view for security surveillance.

“Additionally, it poses traffic challenges around the area, because of its size, blocking the view of drivers accessing all routes linking the roundabout.

“State government wishes to make it clear that it became necessary to take down the structure for purposes of immediate reconstruction and downsizing to ensure visibility of the Government House entrance and safety of motorists.”