Rita Odafe
The Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to look into the controversy surrounding medical supply contracts in 44 local government areas in the state.
The request was made by the APC State Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas.
In a statement released in Kano, Abbas called for freezing the financial accounts of local government councils to prevent further misuse of their funds under the pretext of joint projects.
He expressed doubt in Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s admission of being unaware of the corruption, questioning his leadership and control over the state.
Abbas criticized the directive given to the state’s Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the issue, citing concerns about the credibility of the commission’s chairman, Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado.
He raised suspicions of a conflict of interest and lack of authority in investigating the alleged scandal involving the governor’s family members and the NNPP leader, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.
The Chairman highlighted a series of financial improprieties supposedly committed by officials of the ruling NNPP government.
Abbas mentioned contentious contracts worth N27 billion for building two interchange bridges in the metropolis, with allegations of irregular payment arrangements.
He also pointed out uninvestigated financial misconduct, including the mishandling of palliatives by a political appointee.
The State Commissioner for Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, praised the Governor for initiating an inquiry into the drug supply contract and defended the process of awarding contracts for road projects.
Dantiye expressed surprise at the APC leaders’ resistance to investigations, urging them to cooperate if they have nothing to hide.
He also highlighted public calls for investigating alleged financial mismanagement by the former First Lady, involving multiple bank accounts during her tenure.
Dantiye reassured the public of the government’s commitment to transparency and adherence to legal procurement practices.
