PCACC is Independent, Stop The Interference- CAJA To Ganduje

PCACC is Independent, Stop The Interference- CAJA To Ganduje

POLITICS DIGEST – Centre for Awareness on Justice and Accountability (CAJA), has expressed displeasure over the interference of Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in the investigation of Deposed Emir of Kano Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission.

The centre in a statement issued and signed by CAJA’s Justice and Accountability Officer Maryam Ahmad Abubakar said that the governor through his press secretary’s statement has directed the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, to resume investigation of the Emir over alleged financial misappropriation.

The statement further called on the governor to allow the commission in discharging it’s duties without interference, saying that the commission is an independent body of government.

It read in parts:

“INDEPENDENT STATE GOVERNMENT BODIES SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO WORK WITHOUT GOVERNOR`S INTERFERENCE

We write from the Centre for Awareness on Justice and Accountability (CAJA), to express our displeasure over an attempt by the Kano State governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to interfere in the work of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, on the investigation of the 14th Emir of the State, Malam Muhammadu Sunusi II. The recent press statement by the governor through his press secretary, directing the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, to resume investigation of the Emir, has vindicated the belief of the people that it is the governor that has been influencing the function of the commission, which by its Act, should be independent from any interference.

At a moment like this, we expect the governor to put genuine efforts in addressing the spread of the Covid-19, cushioning the effect of the current hardship to the vulnerable indigenes, and restoring the economic activities of the state that have been suffering even before the lockdown regime, not just nagging on an issue that continues to bring disunity not only among the people of the state, but even among some governors in the country.

This action has become so provocative to the people because even the image of the state and northern elders has been subjected to abuse and attack by the governor. His unguarded utterances on the Kano elders since the beginning of this issue and his refusal to meet with the Northern Elders Forum, have no doubt, proved that the governor is more interested in witch-hunting the emir rather than amicable resolution of the issue.

For the commission, yes, we may agree and disagree with its modus operandi, but that is purely on principle. Consequently, we will not hesitate to offer advices on how to strengthen its work specially to build on its landmark achievements, including the recent price stability and its doggedness in guaranteeing justice to the weaker ones in the society. But where the commission succumbs to external influence, to work on the governor`s directives, such achievements can easily be washed away.

We will conclude by calling on Governor Ganduje and all Nigerian governors, to always respect the independence of the government`s independent bodies by allowing them to work according to the Acts of such bodies and without any external interference from the governors or anybody acting on their behalf.

Signed:

Barr. Maryam Ahmad Abubakar
Justice and Accountability Officer, CAJA”