False Sponsorship Claims: Kano Government’s Eye Surgery Story Under Scrutiny

In a comprehensive report, Elijah Akoji of SOLACEBASE conducted rigorous fact-checking to scrutinize the assertion made by Kano State’s Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulssalam Gwarzo. The deputy governor had claimed to have sponsored 52 patients for free eye surgeries at Makkah Eye Clinic in Kano State, a statement that has raised questions about its accuracy.

Investigation results reveal that the Deputy Governor’s claim of sponsoring these patients is misleading and false. Despite the claim being made in a tweet that garnered substantial attention, with over 10,000 views, 67 shares, 3 quotes, 434 likes, and 1 bookmark, the investigation found no evidence to substantiate this assertion. Notably, the management of Makkah Hospital has denied the claim, attributing it to a mere political statement by the deputy governor.

This revelation is significant, as there is only one Makkah Eye Clinic in Kano State, managed by Al-Basar International Foundation, a not-for-profit international NGO based in Saudi Arabia.

SOLACEBASE took the initiative to visit Makkah Eye Clinic in Gadon Gaya, Kano State, intending to witness the progress of the sponsored patients and the treatments administered. Contrary to expectations, the hospital’s management was unaware of the news and had not received any patients under the sponsorship of the Kano State government or the deputy governor.

The investigation also underscores the severity of cataract-related blindness, a concern affecting millions worldwide. A report from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that cataracts are a leading cause of blindness, affecting approximately 94 million people worldwide. In Nigeria, more than 1 million individuals are blind, with half of these cases concentrated in the North Eastern and North Western regions of the country. The Mallam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) in Kano State diagnoses about 60 new cataract patients weekly.

In light of the substantial healthcare costs associated with cataract treatment, government support is crucial. However, the denial of the sponsorship claim casts doubt on the accuracy and credibility of the deputy governor’s statement.

Furthermore, attempts to reach the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shuaibu, to verify the claim were met with difficulty. Despite multiple contact attempts through various channels, including in-person visits and WhatsApp messages, the Chief Press Secretary remained unresponsive. This lack of transparency further raises questions about the veracity of the deputy governor’s statement.

This fact-checking report emphasizes the importance of accuracy and accountability in public statements and the need for thorough verification of claims made by public officials.