Senator Rufai Hanga representing Kano Central Senatorial District has clarified that his recent donation of 2,000 clay pots and 10,500 yards of white cloth to Muslim graveyards in his constituency was prompted by his faith and belief in seeking divine mercy.
The Deputy Minority Chief Whip of the 10th Senate and member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party faced public criticism following reports of his donation, with some questioning the allocation of resources towards burial materials instead of essential infrastructure like hospitals.
In response to the backlash, Senator Hanga, speaking through his aide Dawuud Auwal, defended the gesture, highlighting its religious significance and the tradition of his family in making such donations.
Addressing reporters in his first news conference since his election in 2023, Senator Hanga emphasized that the donation was not part of his constituency project but rather a personal initiative aligned with his family’s legacy.
He explained that the donation aimed to address the shortage of clay pots in graveyards across his constituency, a need identified by the Kano state committee for graveyards.
Despite facing health challenges and spending significant time in hospitals both in Nigeria and abroad, Senator Hanga asserted his commitment to serving his constituents, citing successful advocacy for projects included in the 2023 budget and his determination to monitor their implementation.
Senator Hanga’s donation, though met with controversy, underscores the intersection of personal beliefs, cultural traditions, and public service in Nigeria’s political landscape.
