In a move that demonstrated honesty, integrity and a commitment to fairness, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kano State Governor, Malam Mustapha Muhammad, returned an excess payment of SR6,000 equivalent to N2.4 million that was mistakenly allocated to him during the distribution of allowances meant for members of the media team covering this year’s Hajj in the Holy Land.
Reports indicated that Malam Mustapha had received more money than he was entitled to due to an administrative error.
However, upon discovering the mistake, he promptly returned the funds to enable the correction of the records and ensure that everyone received their rightful share.
Mustapha Muhammad, who led the Kano media delegation responsible for covering Hajj activities in Saudi Arabia, said returning the money was necessary to facilitate the payment of other beneficiaries who were yet to receive their entitlements.
His action has attracted widespread commendation from colleagues, government observers and officials involved in this year’s Hajj operations in the Holy Land, who described him as a model of honesty and accountability in public service.
While receiving the refunded amount, the Emir of Gaya and Kano State’s Amirul Hajj for this year, Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, described the gesture as a demonstration of fairness, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility.
He stated that at a time when public officials and custodians of public trust are constantly being urged to uphold honesty and accountability, such actions reaffirm that there are still individuals who place integrity above personal gain.
He further noted that the return of the money not only reinforced Mustapha Muhammad’s reputation for honesty but also helped ensure that some members of the media team received their rightful entitlements without any delay or complications.
