2 months ago
5
The Kano State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to launch a full-scale investigation into the alleged scandal involving the procurement of medical supplies for the 44 local governments in the state.
This was stated in a press release issued by the APC Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, on Monday and made available to PUNCH Online.
The party also called for the freezing of the local government councils’ accounts in the state to prevent further misuse of their resources under the guise of joint projects.
“The admission by Governor Abba Yusuf that he was unaware of the irregularities is a clear indication that he is either not in control or lacks the capacity to lead the state,” Abbas asserted.
He further described the directive to the state’s Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the matter as ‘laughable’.
“The track record of the Chairman of the Kano Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Barrister Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, is partisan, compromised, and lacks the authority to investigate the scandal, which allegedly involves immediate family members of the governor’s father-in-law and the embattled leader of the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party in the state, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.”
“The scandal is the latest in a series of financial recklessness allegedly involving officials of the NNPP,” Abbas continued.
He also highlighted several other financial allegations that have either not been investigated or inadequately examined, involving the state government, its officials, and appointees.
These, he said, include the “diversion and repackaging of palliatives by a political appointee attached to the Cabinet Office, the sale of properties at Radio Kano, missing funds at Abubakar Rimi Television, the illegal sale of palliatives at the State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority, and the diversion of federal government palliatives traced to the private residence of the Chief of Staff, Government House, Kano.”
In response to the allegations, the State Commissioner for Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, praised the governor for directing an immediate investigation into the drug supply contract, stating that it was the right decision.
He also pointed out that due process was not followed in awarding contracts for the two interchange roads in the metropolitan area, with records available for public scrutiny.
The Commissioner expressed surprise that Kano APC leaders consistently seek court injunctions to block investigations into their activities, questioning their motives.
He challenged them to allow investigations to proceed if they had nothing to hide.
Dantiye hinted that there are calls for the state government to investigate the former first lady’s alleged misuse of local government funds through 44 bank accounts during their two terms in office.
He assured the people of Kano State that Governor Abba Yusuf’s administration is committed to fulfilling its promises, ensuring accountability, and punishing any misdemeanours and non-compliance with procurement processes under the law.
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