The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has summoned ex-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for questioning over the controversial dollar videos.
This is sequel to the commission’s pledge to follow due process as usual in the investigation of the alleged bribery videos (also known as dollar videos) involving the former governor.
The PCACC boss, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, who made this revelation while appearing as a guest on Channels TV’s Lunch Time Politics programme on Thursday, said that the commission is expecting the former governor to appear before it next week to have the opportunity to clear his name in the ongoing investigation.
While answering a question on whether or not the commission would continue with the investigation in light of recent developments, Barrister Rimingado said
I have signed a letter to invite him for questioning at the commission next week because this is what the law says, and we will provide ample opportunity for him to defend himself.
When pressed further on what the commission would do if the governor fails to appear, he said, “There is what the law provides; the law is coercive in nature; it compels obedience. The law doesn’t lobby you to come and do certain things.
“There are procedures, and we will follow all the necessary steps to do what is needed.”
While reacting to an allegation by the Coalition for Northern Civil Society Grout that the commission started the investigation so as to ridicule the former governor and stop him from getting a federal appointment, the executive chairman said “the facts speak for themselves: since the video came out in 2018, the commission had indicated its intention to investigate, and since the governor then enjoyed immunity, there is a limit to what the law allows the commission to do in that regard.
“This is why, on my return as the chairman a few weeks ago and the fact that the former governor no longer enjoys immunity, we decided to reopen the investigation and give the former governor the opportunity to clear himself or otherwise, more so as the videos have continued to cause the state and citizens of the state ridicule across the globe.”
He called on all citizens of the state who have information that will further the investigation to come forward, promising that such information will be treated confidentially.
He also called on citizens of the state as well as civil society organizations to join hands with the commission to root out corruption in the state by providing necessary information on any case of corrupt practices, promising that the commission would ensure justice regardless of whoever is involved.
