The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) says forensic analysis has confirmed that the dollar videos of ex-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje were not doctored.
In 2017, Daily Nigerian, an online publication, had released some videos of Ganduje allegedly collecting kickbacks from contractors.
But speaking at ‘A One Day Public Dialogue on Anti-Corruption Crusade in Kano’, on Wednesday, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, Chairman of the agency, said the authenticity of the videos had been confirmed.
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He said since the release of the footages, people have been challenging the commission under him to prove the innocence or otherwise of the former governor in the matter.
He added that his commission commenced investigation in 2018 but could not go far because Ganduje, who was governor at the time, had immunity.
“Anybody that knows can tell that I am passionate about what I am doing which is fight corruption. People are disturbing me and pressurizing me to probe the dollar video. We are on it already, part of which is; forensic analysis confirmed to us that the video is not doctored,” he said.
“We are here to fight corruption in its entirety not only on one issue. So far, we have recovered property worth N200 million. We also have a corruption case of over N100 billion which we will continue and ensure that we recover the stolen properties, money and any other belongings of government and individuals.”
Earlier in his remarks, an academician, Dr. Abdullahi Kani, said lack of investigation in corruption allegations and societal tolerance on the suspects is causing serious setback to the fight against the corruption.
Citing a United Nations reports, he said in 2019, over N675 billion was offered as corruption which showed the country’s failure in addressing corruption.
Similarly, a member of the Civil Society Forum in the state, IG. Maryam said the state must implement the Freedom of Information Act to allow for access to information that will expose corruption, adding that “the past governments of the state spent N47 billion on water but yet we are battling with water scarcity in the state.”
The Public Dialogue was attended by Civil Society Organizations under the leadership of the Kano state Civil Society Forum, the media and members of the general public.
Earlier, a group, Good Governance and Advocacy Group (GGAG), warned against what it described as premeditated attempt by the government of Kano to ridicule Ganduje.
The coalition said there was a sinister move by the Kano government using the apparatus of the state anti-corruption commission to bring the name of Ganduje to disrepute through a politically motivated dialogue.
In a statement released Wednesday in Kano by the Secretary of the Coalition, Muhammed Lawan Shuaibu, the coalition said the attempt was aimed at denting the image of the former Chief Executive who enjoys a good relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to prevent him from securing an appointment.
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