Former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s bribe collection videos, one of the most prominent corruption scandals, recorded during tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari, has refused to go away.
Despite emerging as the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the former Kano State helmsman has remained in the crosshairs of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (KAPCAC).
The Commission has moved ahead with its plans to investigate the former governor and current ruling party Chairman with the objective of holding him to account, if found culpable. There has however been push back, with federal anti-corruption agencies opening their own separate probe of the Chairman of KAPCACC, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado.
To ensure the hunter does not become the hunted as it is the case with many corruption cases in Nigeria, a coalition of prominent civil society groups working to combat corruption has weighed in on the matter.
The group said it observed with keen interest the alleged investigation of Chairman of Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (Kano State PCACC), Barrister Muhyi Rimingado by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).
The coalition therefore expressed concern that the probe is coming on the heels of the PCACC’s inquiry into the alleged financial misconduct of the previous administration in Kano State led by Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
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Consequently, civil society groups expressed support for the Chairman of Kano State PCACC, just as they expressed confidence that he will emerge from the investigation unscathed. The prominent anti-corruption crusaders, emphasized that while they commend the attempt by both EFCC and CCB to uphold principles of transparency and accountability, they strongly urged these agencies to carry out their duties with unwavering professionalism and integrity, free from any form of political interference.
The groups also underscored the importance of an impartial and thorough inquiry into recent developments surrounding the investigation of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Commission Chairman.
They said: “The credibility and reputation of the Kano State PCACC hinge on its ability to demonstrate transparency and fairness in its internal processes. All parties involved are urged to collaborate closely and adhere strictly to established legal procedures.
The anti-corruption groups further call on the Kano State Anti-Corruption Commission, the EFCC, and the CCB to foster a spirit of collaboration in their individual anti-corruption pursuits. The timely cooperation between these agencies is vital to ensuring that both historical and current allegations of corruption are addressed promptly and diligently.”
By working hand in hand, these organizations can contribute significantly to a governance framework in Kano State that is shaped by transparency and accountability. The collective commitment to eradicating corruption is not merely a slogan for these groups; it represents a shared conviction that the elimination of corruption is fundamental to sustainable development, social justice, and the overall well-being of society.
The statement, which was jointly signed by Comrade Olanrewaju Suraju of Human and Environment Development Agenda (HEDA), Anwalu Musa Rafsanjani of the Civil Society Legislative Action Centre (CISLAC), Reverend David Ugolor of the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikrullahi of the Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED), and Muhammed Attah of PRADIN promised to continue monitoring developments on the case as events unfold.
“The coalition remains optimistic that the involved agencies will uphold the highest standards of professionalism and make substantial contributions to the realization of a corruption-free Kano State and accountability of former public office holders in the state who are being called to account by the Kano State Anti Corruption Commission.”
