The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano has on Sunday called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to launch a full-scale investigation into the latest scandal involving the contract for medical supply to 44 local governments in the state.
This is contained in a statement issued by the chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Abbas in Kano on Sunday.
Abbas called for the freezing of the accounts of local government councils in the state to stop further plundering of their resources in the name of joint projects.
He said the admission by governor Abba Yusuf that he was not aware of the sleeze, is a clear indication that he is either not in control or lack capacity to lead the state, as the APC repeatedly insisted.
Abbas described as laughable the directive given to the state Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) to probe the matter.
Abbas pointed out that going by his antecedents, chairman of the commission, Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado is partisan, compromised and lacks the power to investigate the scandal allegedly involving the immediate family members of the governor’s father in-law and embattled leader of the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the state, Rabi’u Kwankwaso.
He noted that the scandal is the latest in series of financial recklessness allegedly involving officials of the NNPP government.
Abbas recalled that the state government awarded controversial contracts worth N27 billion for the construction of two interchange bridges at Dan-Agundi and Tal’udu junction in the metropolis, the payment of which would be shared in a 30/70 ratio between the state and the 44 local governments.
The APC chairman said there were still financial allegations that are either not probed or not properly investigated involving government, it’s officials and appointees.
He said these included diversion and repackaging of palliatives by a political appointee attached to Cabinet Office.
Sale of properties at Radio Kano, missing funds at Abubakar Rimi Television, illegal sale of palliatives at the state Agricultural and Rural Development Authority, diversion of federal government’s palliatives traced to the private residence of the Chief of Staff, Government House, Kano.
Here is a rewritten version of the statement with some minor adjustments for clarity and flow:
When contacted, Commissioner of Information Baba Halilu Dantiye commended the state Governor for directing an immediate investigation into the contract for drug supplies, stating it was the right decision.
He explained further that due process was followed in awarding the contracts for the two interchange roads in the metropolitan area, and the records are available for public scrutiny.
Dantiye expressed surprise that Kano APC leaders consistently seek court restrictions on investigations into their activities, questioning their motives. He challenged them to allow investigations to proceed if they have nothing to hide.
Additionally, Dantiye mentioned 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.
He assured the people of Kano State that the government of Gov. Abba Yusuf is committed to fulfilling its promises, ensuring accountability, and punishing any misdemeanors and non-compliance with procurement processes in accordance with the law
