APC urges EFCC to investigate drugs supply to 44 Kano LGAs

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to launch a full-scale investigation into the latest alleged scandal involving spending purportedly for a medical supply contract to the 44 local governments in the state.

According to a statement issued by the APC chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, and made available to the press on Monday, the party also 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.

Abbas added that the admission by Governor Abba Yusuf that he was not aware of the sleaze is a clear indication that he is either not in control or lacks the capacity to lead the state, as the APC has repeatedly insisted.

He then described as laughable the directive given to the state Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission to probe the matter.

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Abbas stated that, given his antecedents, the 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, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.

He said that the scandal is the latest in a series of financial recklessness allegedly involving officials of the NNPP government.

He, however, disclosed that it should be recalled that the state government awarded controversial contracts worth N27 billion for the construction of two interchange bridges at Dan-Agundi and Tal’udu junctions in the metropolis, the payment of which would be shared in a 30/70 ratio between the state and the 44 local governments.

The chairman said there were still financial allegations that have either not been probed or not properly investigated, involving the government, its officials, and appointees.

He said these included 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.

Reacting to the allegations, the state Commissioner for 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, however, disclosed 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.

The commissioner therefore 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.

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.

He assured the people of Kano State that the government of Governor 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.