Headlines
Group seeks fresh probe into Ganduje’s alleged dollar bribery videos
Nasiru Yusuf
A group called Kano Concerned for Prudent Leadership has asked the Kano Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) to open a fresh investigation into several video clips purporting to show Governor Abdullahi Ganduje stuffing wads of dollar currency into his babbar-riga pockets.
In a letter to Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, chairman of the PCACC, signed by one Mukhtar Sani Mandawari, the group called on the commission to invoke its powers under the law and cause a thorough investigation into the matter.
“It is no longer news that several videos showing the Executive Governor of Kano state Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje receiving United States Dollars and smiling which is suspected to be kickbacks from contractors went viral all over the internet.
“This organization calls on your good office to invoke your powers under relevant provisions of your law and cause a thorough investigation into the matter. Happily the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has since authenticated the videos as genuine.
“Sir, we are not unaware that constitutionally, the governor cannot be prosecuted because he enjoys temporary immunity while in office. However, your commission is not in any way barred from investigating him and making findings.
“This EFCC did in the case of Ayodele Fayose, ex-governor of Ekiti state who could not be prosecuted for the alleged corrupt related offences while in office but actively investigated.
“We hope your commission will immediately kick-start investigation into this matter of public concerned (sic) as this issue is too big to be swept under the carpet,” read the letter dated 9 March 2020.
It may be recalled that Jaafar Jaafar, a journalist had released a series of video clips which appeared to show Mr Ganduje collecting bundles of cash in American dollars in October 2018.
Mr Jaafar had then alleged that the governor was collecting the cash, which he said amounted to $5 million dollars, as kickbacks from contractors executing different projects in Kano state.
KANO FOCUS recalls that even though the clips were verified as genuine by Premium Times, BBC and Amnesty International, Mr Ganduje dismissed the videos as “doctored”.
The governor also filed a N3 billion lawsuit against Mr Jaafar after rushing to a Kano high court to halt a probe into the issue by the Kano State House of Assembly.
Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu had said the commission was probing the alleged bribery clips.
But the report on the said investigation is yet to be released by the EFCC.
Headlines
UNICEF applauds Kano State for enacting Child Protection Law, calls for effective implementation
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
United Nations Children’s Funds (UNICEF) has commended the Government and citizens of Kano State for the recent enactment of the Child Protection Law, signed into law by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
KANO FOCUS reports that the commendation was contained in a statement issued by Samuel Kaalu UNICEF spokesperson in Kano.
The statement quoted Mr. Rahama R.M. Farah, Chief of UNICEF Field Office Kano, saying “The Kano State Child Protection Law is a remarkable achievement that benefits the children and people of Kano. It establishes a legal framework to ensure the protection of children’s rights within the state.
“Now that the law has been established, it is crucial to allocate the necessary resources and establish mechanisms for its effective implementation. We urge the new administration in Kano State to take this vital step and provide adequate resources to ensure the comprehensive enforcement of the law.
Mr. Farah added that with the enactment of this law, Kano State joins other states that have successfully incorporated the Nigeria Child Rights Act, originally enacted by the National Assembly in 2003, into their legal frameworks.
He said “It is important to note that this Act is derived from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), of which Nigeria is a signatory. Extensive consultations were conducted with key stakeholders, including faith-based and community leaders, during the development of the bill.
“This collaborative effort ensured that the law reflects the values and aspirations of the people of Kano.”
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Aminu Abdullahi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has implored the victims of the recent demolition exercise embarked upon by the Kano State government to seek legal redress while describing the action of the new NNPP administration as barbaric and unacceptable.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Ag. State Chairman of the opposition party, Shehu Maiagari made the condemnation while Speaking at a press conference held on Tuesday at the NUJ Press Centre, Kano.
The politician condemned the spate of demolition of business interests and property across the state by the Governor, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf.
“The action of the state government has brought unnecessary chaos, rampant vandalism, daylight robbery and grabbing of property belonging to innocent members of the Kano society” he lamented.
The opposition party insisted that the demolition has destroyed the means of livelihood of the people of the state while lamenting that it has equally tarnished the reputation of the state as a safe commercial centre for secured business investment.
The APC appealed to security agencies in the state to step up action and restore the people’s confidence in light of the shock they had experienced while imploring parents and guardians to caution their children against being used as agents of destruction by the state government.
“We assure the good people of the state of our prayers and support in this trying period; we also implore those affected directly or indirectly, to seek redress in the court of law,” they stated.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the appointment of Alhaji Habu Muhammad Fagge as Executive Chairman, Kano State Pension Board Trustee.
KANO FOCUS reports that the appointment takes effect immediately as the governor directed for handing over and taking over within 24 hours.
A statement issued by Chief Press Secretary to the governor Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa said Alhaji Habu Fagge, a holder of Bsc Finance from Abraham Lincoln University, served two terms as Executive Chairman of Kano Internal Revenue Services.
The statement added that the new appointee had served Kano State as director finance, director planning, research and statistics and director other taxes.
UNICEF applauds Kano State for enacting Child Protection Law, calls for effective implementation
APC condemns Kano demolition exercise
Kano Governor Appoints Habu Fagge as Pension Boss
First batch of 555 Kano pilgrims depart Nigeria for Makka
Imposition of Assembly leadership is violation of constitution – Kawu Sumaila
Salat: The Distinction Between Muslim And Non-Muslim
2023 Budget: Kano state Health Ministry gets 400 Million on Epidemic Preparedness, but fails to meet 20% overall increase allocation promise by Chidari, Tsanyawa
Buhari appoints Sha’aban Sharada as Executive Secretary of Almajiri Commission
Immunization awareness tackle measles cases in Kano, as cases rise in Neighboring states
