The Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally appealed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to initiate an extensive investigation into the most recent scandal concerning medical supply contracts allocated to 44 local governments within the state.
Naija News reports that this request was made by the Kano State Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas.
In a statement issued yesterday in Kano, Abbas advocated for the suspension of the financial accounts of local government councils within the state to halt the further exploitation of their resources under the guise of collaborative projects.
He expressed his disbelief at Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf‘s admission of his lack of awareness regarding the corruption, suggesting it was indicative of his inability to govern effectively or maintain control over the state.
Furthermore, Abbas found the directive issued to the state Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the matter to be insubstantial.
The Chairman highlighted concerns regarding the integrity of the chairman of the commission, Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, who has been accused of partisanship, compromising his role, and a lack of authority, to conduct an investigation into the alleged scandal involving the immediate family members of the governor’s father-in-law and the embattled leader of the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the state, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.
He also pointed out that this scandal was part of a pattern of financial mismanagement allegedly committed by officials of the NNPP government.
Abbas brought to light the awarding of controversial contracts, valued at N27 billion, for the construction of two interchange bridges at the Dan-Agundi and Tal’udu junction in the metropolis, with the stipulation that the payment would be divided in a 30/70 ratio between the state and the 44 local governments.
He emphasized that there were still financial allegations that had not been thoroughly investigated or probed, including the misappropriation and repackaging of palliatives by a political appointee assigned to the Cabinet Office.
A Daily Post report stated that the State Commissioner for Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, when contacted earlier on the matter, extended his commendation to the State Governor for initiating an immediate inquiry into the procurement contract for drug supplies, asserting that such action was appropriate.
He elaborated that the process of awarding contracts for the two interchange roads within the metropolitan area adhered to due process, with the necessary records accessible for public examination.
Dantiye was taken aback by the consistent requests from leaders of the Kano APC for court-imposed restrictions on investigations into their affairs, prompting a question of their intentions.
He called upon them to permit the investigations to continue, should they have no concerns to conceal.
Furthermore, Dantiye highlighted the public demand for an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of local government funds by the former First Lady, who is alleged to have misused funds through 44 bank accounts over the course of her two terms in office.
He reassured the citizens of Kano State that the administration under Governor Yusuf was dedicated to upholding its commitments, ensuring accountability, and enforcing penalties for any violations of procurement processes in accordance with legal standards.