Kano anti-graft agency probes Kwankwaso, CoS over alleged contract scandal, palliatives diversion

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has initiated investigations into allegations of multi-million-naira procurement fraud and the alleged mismanagement of federal government palliatives.

However, those key figures under scrutiny include Musa Garba Kwankwaso, the nephew of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Shehu Wada Sagagi, the Chief of Staff to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Musa Kwankwaso, who is closely related to the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) presidential candidate and political mentor to Governor Yusuf, is allegedly involved in a procurement scandal tied to the supply of drugs to the state’s 44 local government areas.

Accordingly,the contract, reportedly awarded to Novomed Pharmaceuticals—a company where Musa Kwankwaso is a director—was said to have allegedly bypassed due process.

It was also alleged that each local government is allegedly required to pay about N9 million monthly, totaling N396 million across all councils.

However,it will be recalled that the allegations surfaced when Bello Galadanchi, a Nigerian filmmaker, accused the state government of mandating each local government to pay nearly N10 million for drug supplies, with the contract being awarded exclusively to Novomed Pharmaceuticals. Galadanchi claimed that 25 local governments had already made payments to the company.

But dramatically, governor Yusuf, who was initially unaware of the contract, has since ordered an immedIate chairman of the PCACC, Muhuyi Magaji, confirmed that several individuals, including high-ranking officials from the Ministry for Local Governments, have been summoned as part of the investigation.

The PCACC’s chairman (Magaji )outlined that the commission is seeking various documents, including pre-qualification and post-qualification submissions, compliance certificates with the state’s public procurement law, and bills of quantities.

He emphasised that the investigation is comprehensive and no one involved will be spared.

Commenting on Musa Kwankwaso, Magaji stated that while the commission has not yet summoned him, it will do so if necessary.

He further disclosed that the commission has also requested the company’s financial documents and is considering a post-no-Debit (PND) order to prevent potential fund misappropriation.

Magaji stated that possible collusion within the government, stating, “Preliminary findings suggest that certain individuals might have taken undue advantage of the situation, potentially without the governor’s knowledge.”

However, in a related development, the PCACC is also investigating Shehu Wada Sagagi over allegations of diverting federal government funds.

It will be recalled on how some irate youths during the nation-wide hunger protest broke into the Islamic school Sagagi built in Gandun Albasa Quarters and looted hundereds of bags of rice.

The rice was said to be allegedly part of the federal government’s palliatives, intended for the most vulnerable members of society.

Magaji confirmed that the investigation seeks to determine whether Sagagi used his position to influence the allocation of the palliatives to the school. Despite ongoing court proceedings, the commission remains undeterred and will continue its investigation.

However, Sagagi, in response, denied the allegations, stating that the rice found at the school came from his farming activities, donations, and personal purchases

He therefore expressed his willingness to cooperate with the investigation, asserting that the accusations are an attempt to tarnish his reputation.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE