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Kano Assembly :Making A Hero In Muhuyi Magaji

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Muhuyi Magaji

 

 

By Auwalu Abdulqadir

 

As the unfolding Drama between the Kano state House of assembly and the former chairman of Kano state public complaints and Anti-corruption commission continued, the general public has been awash with fallacies since a committee was constituted by the state assembly to investigate the so-called allegations being meted against Barrister Magaji while he was at the office.

 

 

 

 

The nitty-gritty of law-making requires experience devoid of political interference, but the legislature has thrown itself into futility and derails from its main function of making good laws which they were elected to do.

 

 

 

 

Now they have executed the main hatched job which they were scripted to do on behalf of the executive arm of government.

 

.Sometimes I wondered how scriptwriters work hard to film a whole movie into real-life stories to which the Kano legislature did a few months back as if My Boss Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado is their only legislative agenda in the third quarter of the year 2021.

 

From the committee, they set up in a closed-door meeting to suspension, then asking my boss to appear before them and then making the world believe that he falsified medical report, blab la bla.

 

Lawmakers are now making the most populous state in Nigeria a laughing stock in the eyes of the world.

 

The lawmaking body’s probe of Barrister Muhuyi revolves around one thing, that is the issue of posting an accountant to his office which led to suspension, then asking him to appear before them despite his health challenges and now recommending his removal which was the main goal of his detractors and those that don’t want to see the fight against corruption by my boss succeed in Kano.

 

 

 

 

Every individual in and around the world is much aware of a story uncovered by one of the investigative online media in Nigeria, The Daily Nigerian, and others on a plot to remove the most celebrated Anti-graft boss among the 36 states of the Federation.

 

The story on the plan to remove him went viral on the 27th of June 2021, and the Kano state legislature went Gaga the following week through diversionary tactics, and here is where we are that is the 26th of July recommending his final removal as the Anti Graft boss.

 

The reason why I said diversionary tactics was that the story broken on the 27th of June on a plot to remove Muhyi Magaji from his position has now come to reality.

 

They are now telling the public all sorts of stories through misleading information.

 

Now taken us back a little on how the scenario started, on June 27th Daily Nigerian and other online mediums carried the following story exactly as follows.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“’ Plot to remove the chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, PCAC, Muhuyi Rimingado, has thickened as Governor Abdullahi Ganduje allegedly mounts pressure on the State Assembly to execute the hatchet the job.

 

Informed sources at the Assembly said that the governor wanted the legislators to remove the state anti-corruption commission boss for poke nosing into his family’s affairs.

 

“There is actually a plot, with the governor as arrowhead, to remove Muhuyi. Although the governor did not specifically state Muhuyi’s offense, he just wanted him out of that office.

 

“You know in the governor’s usual antics of pushing the legislature to take the bullet for him. Remember he did the same when he wanted to get rid of his former deputy, Hafiz Abubakar, and former Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II,” said a legislator familiar with the plot.

 

Hepatitis Day: 9 In 10 People Are Ignorant

 

 

On the possibility of executing the governor’s bidding, the lawmaker said majority members of the Assembly are rubber-stamps.

 

The crisis began early this month when Mr. Rimingado beamed his searchlight into the contracts allegedly awarded to companies linked to the governor’s family.

 

 

 

 

In a letter sighted with reference number PCACC/CM/OFF/VOL.1/071 dated June 10, 2021, and signed by the chairman of the commission, Muhuyi Rimingado, the commission requested the commissioner of the Ministry of Works to provide information relating to the construction of Cancer Center and the supply of diesel by the state government.

 

“In the exercise of its powers under Section 9 and Section 15 of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission Law 2008 (as amended), the Commission is currently conducting an investigation which requires you to provide the following details:-

 

“(a) All documents relating to Cancer Centre

 

“(b) All documents pertaining to procurement of Diesel.

 

“(c) Any other information that will aid the Commission’s investigation.”

 

Credible sources told this newspaper that bulk diesel supply in government ministries, departments and agencies is allegedly the exclusive preserve of the first family.

 

It was gathered that the contract for the construction of the Cancer Centre, allegedly believed to be handled by a proxy of the first family, is undergoing a series of variations, which calls for concern of the commission.

 

The contract for the Cancer Centre was initially awarded at the cost of N2.4 billion but currently stands at over N5billion due to a series of variations.

 

It was gathered that there is alleged round-tripping in the diesel supply contracts, such that funds were allegedly released without the supply of the commodity.

 

Mr Rimingado, a lawyer, recently came under fire for his failure to investigate the governor’s corruption, particularly the dollar bribe-taking videos exposed by this newspaper in October 2018.

 

Efforts to speak with Mr Rimingado on his removal plan proved abortive as he barred incoming calls into his known telephone number.

 

A spokesman for the governor Abba Anwar did not pick our reporter’s calls, nor respond to a text message seeking the governor’s response on the matter’’

Daily Nigerian

 

The following week after 27th June Daily Nigerian and other publications were vindicated when the House suspended my boss from office without giving him a fair hearing.

 

The content of the above story is yet to be answered by the state legislature and July 27 is where we are that is recommending his removal by the assembly based on the following flimsy excuses.

 

If people like Timi the Law are alive and Human Rights lawyer Gani Fawehenmi, they will weep on how the law-making process in Nigeria has been bastardized by no one other than those who are supposed to uphold its sanctity and protect it.

 

Can we say we are in a paramilitary era where trump up charges are instituted on military officers by their military superiors just to get rid of certain individuals they are not pleased with by making them heroes of their own time?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now people and expert jurists should look at this and see how the state assembly executed what it was set to do.

 

The report on that made Headlines on the removal of my boss goes as follows.

 

 

“ Kano State House of Assembly has today in its plenary session received a report of the House Adhoc Committee on the investigation of a petition received by the House from the office of the Accountant General of the State against Muhuyi Magaji esq.

 

 

 

 

The Adhoc Committee Chairman  Umar Musa Gama presented the report before the Honourable House where the House deliberated and agreed on the recommendation of the Committee.

 

 

 

 

Among the recommendation as Stated by the Majority Leader  Labaran Abdul Madari in a chat with journalists after the sitting includes;

 

 

 

 

That the House should recommend the immediate removal of Muhuyi Magaji esq by the State Government as the suspended Chairman of the Public Complain and Anti Corruption Commission as provided by Section 6 of the Anti Corruption Law 2010 as amended which provides that,

 

“The Chairman or any other member  of the Commission appointed under this Law may at any time be removed from office by the Governor acting upon a resolution supported by simple majority of the members of the State House of  Assembly, praying that he be removed from office for inability to discharge effectively the functions of his office or for any other reason.”

 

 

 

 

The Committee further recommends the arrest, investigation, and prosecution of Muhuyi Magaji esq for the offenses of forgery and presenting false information to public office under sections 262,363,364 and 161 of the penal code of Kano State as amended.

 

 

 

 

Similarly, the Committee recommends that the said Accountant staff on grade level 04 should be dealt with in accordance with Kano State Civil Service rules whereas the rejected Chief Accountant by the suspended Chairman should be directed to take over the affairs of the Account Department of the Commission.

 

 

 

 

Later the House set up an Adhoc Committee under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Speaker  Zubairu Hamza Masu to investigate the financial dealings of the Commission from 2015 to date and to submit a report within three months.

 

 

 

 

As at today, the House of Assembly has not received a court order on this matter.

 

 

 

 

The above-itemized issues have shown how the house is making a mockery of the law, first by including an item that has never been a subject of their investigation, that is the so-called forgery they said he has committed when they made it mandatory that he must appear before them.

 

 

 

 

Now since chief executives are making a faux pass in dealing with the judiciary, the legislative arm of government has now followed suit, that is ignoring court orders, the court order was given three days to their sitting and despite the reportage by the press, in their resolution recommending his removal from the office they said they have not received any court order, lawmakers are now ignoring the law which is a pity for the growth and sustenance of democracy.

 

As the legislative arm of government is independent, one asks why will they not allow government agencies that are independent to discharge their responsibilities.

 

The reason why the PCACC has had many breakthroughs under the chairmanship of my boss was that he did his best to ensure that its independent and in the course of doing that the legislature was teleguided to use that in removing Barrister Muhuyi Magaji.

 

 

 

 

In order to justify their flimsy excuse in suspending and recommending the sack of Barrister Muhuyi, just because he wanted to assert the independence of the commission they cited the that he rejected an accountant sent to his office, an independent body acts independently and no one should raise an eyebrow.

 

With the unfolding scenario, the Kano state house of assembly has made a hero in Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado one of the celebrated Anti-corruption Czar.

The Yet to be answered Questions by the legislature

From the diversionary tactics of the legislature and to sweep things under the carpet during Barrister Muhyi’s Melodrama scripted by the lawmakers they once claim to have constituted another committee to investigate the finances of the commission,but nothing was heard from a mere mention.

 

Another gullibility they played with the people of Kano and other Nigerians was that since there was already a conspiracy to deal with him they went ahead to flout a court order restraining them from investigating him by a court of competent jurisdiction which made people to smell a rat in the pot of chickens,at the end, they have shown that they are their own judges.

Now they have made people to believe that Muhuyi Magaji’s fight against corruption is a nuisance to them and their pay masters.

The media is much aware how a committee was set up to scrutinize the finances of the commission and then later shifted the issue to the allegation of forgery and all was done without giving the accused a fair hearing.

The issue of forgery need to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt before condemning the person of Muhyi Magaji and in all the accusations he has never been allowed to prove his innocence what a pity

 

 

 

Auwalu Abdulqadir is the personal assistant to Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado

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Opinion

Kano APC Crisis: An Open Letter to President Tinubu

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I hope this letter finds you well Your Excellency. As Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads, I write to you today as a concerned and dedicated member of the All Progressives Congress in Kano, compelled by the urgency of our nation’s challenges and aware of your unwavering determination to steer it unto the path of greatness.

But a united front is indispensable in achieving your grand plan for the nations success. Internal party crisis in my dear state, threatens the very foundation upon which your vision lies – unity – and this I write to you today, eager spark meaningful dialogue and constructive action on your part.

Mr. President, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and leader of our party, your urgent intervention is crucial to address the pressing issues at hand. If left unattended, it may escalate into a crisis that could have far-reaching and devastating consequences for the party, making it challenging to manage. Your timely action would help mitigate this risk and ensure the party’s stability.

In Kano, it is generally acknowledged that Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former governor and current National Chairman, leads our party. Members have consistently shown loyalty to his leadership since day one.

You will also recall that Dr. Ganduje actively supported your presidential bid, demonstrating a pure, genuine and unmixed commitment to your cause during both the presidential primaries and general elections. However, some individuals now seek to drive a wedge between you and the Chairman, feeling threatened by his influential position as the National Chairman of our great party.

Mr President sir, It is imperative to hold the Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin accountable for plunging the All Progressives Congress into an avoidable crisis since taking office. As a seasoned politician and senator representing Kano North since 2015, his actions have significant implications. Barau Jibrin’s leadership has sparked division within the party, necessitating urgent attention to prevent further escalation.

Due to the recent removal of Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo as Minister, the All Progressives Congress is facing an unprecedented crisis in Kano North, a stronghold of the party since 2015. This division, fueled by Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin’s actions, threatens the party’s stability. As a leader, Mr. President, it’s crucial to address this issue sustainably.

Barau Jibrin’s political strategy and human relations have been questionable, yet his influence led to the sacking of a loyal minister, Gwarzo. This decision was disheartening, considering Gwarzo’s impressive track record as a generous, humble, and grassroots politician. The people of Kano are upset, and rightfully so.

It’s essential to recognize Barau Jibrin’s intentions. He’s only loyal to you, Mr. President, because of your current position. History shows he’ll turn against you once you’re no longer in office. His self-serving nature is evident in his interactions with grassroots politicians.

To pacify the people and resolve the ongoing crisis, reappointing Gwarzo is imperative. This move will demonstrate your commitment to loyalty and fairness. The APC’s future in Kano North depends on it.

Mr. President, to ensure the party is back on track, it is crucial to prioritize collaboration with loyalists and consider the input of key stakeholders in Kano. This means moving away from decision-making that caters to a single individual who claims control over Kano North. Instead, foster an inclusive approach that values diverse perspectives and promotes unity within the party.

By doing so, you’ll not only strengthen the party’s foundation but also demonstrate your commitment to fairness and representation. This approach will help prevent unnecessary conflicts and ensure that the party’s interests are truly served. It’s essential to recognize that the party’s success relies on collective efforts, not individual interests.

For your information Mr President, Barau’s electoral successes can be attributed to the popularity of the House of Representatives candidates from his Senatorial District. These individuals are widely admired and respected by their constituents. However, rather than leveraging his own strengths, Barau has consistently relied on the goodwill and reputation of these candidates to secure his own victories, essentially seeking shelter under their umbrella.

It’s not yet too late for the President to do the needful for the interest of Kano State and the party at large. With the weight of history and the hopes of a generation on your shoulders, I urge you to confront the harsh realities that threaten our collective progress.

Nabahani Yusuf Gogori writes from Gogori town in Bagwai

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Opinion

Unmasking Excellence : Idris Abdulkadir Zare’s (Jagora) Leadership Style

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By Abba Anwar

Without any doubt, Idris Abdulkadir Zare’s name rings bell in Kano politics, particularly, in his political zone, Kano South. It rings bell not because he is terrifying, but simply because, his name, alone, signifies examplary leadership, selfless service to humanity, genuine loyalty and un-arguable commitment for the survival of the party, All Progressives Congress (APC), in this context.

While he is not a seeker of any elective public office, or party position, as I study him and his political antecedents, he believes, supporting party leadership and followership is one of the surest ways of strengthening the party, against all odds. I kindly call my readers to go to Rogo and substantiate my submission.

Here is a lone Jagora (leader) who spends from his hard earned resources to support the party without thinking of getting anything from anybody, no matter how highly placed, that person could be. His magnanimous touches go beyond party lines. Go to Rogo and seek for more clarification.

If Kano APC is really serious about mending fences, gaining more grassroot support, bouncing back in pre, during and post 2027, people like Idi Zare must be on board. I never met this gentleman. In fact I don’t even know his face, anyway. I come from Dala local government, Kano Central. But I came to know about him for quite sometime now.

He, unlike many of our politicians, made his fortunes outside government. But he spends stupendously in people’s welfare, needs and loyalty. One good thing about him, is, while engaging in such activities, he is not vying for any position. Meaning, this gentleman is acting the script of his good heart. He is indeed a morale booster from whatever standpoint you look at him.

This is somebody whose loyalty is not dangling. He supports what he believes in, with all his heart. By whatever standard, Zare is a Phoenix. And trains people to become that.

I caption this piece, as Unmasking Excellence… because, here is a strong party man, whose support and faith in the party and beyond, are more or less, left near lowest ebb. If we can have enough Zare’s replica from all our political zones, in Kano, regret and backwardness could be things of the past. No doubt about this!

I can also understand that, even among our APC strong men in the state, only those of them who are more loyal and sensitive to the welfare of the party members, are the ones that understand his (Zare) worth and work with him hand in hand, for the survival of the party, in the state and the nation in general.

Zare’s clear understanding of political cohesion as a recipe for good governance gives him more courage to see to the welfare and unassuming political engagement with the view to bring all politicians to state growth and development.

The issue goes beyond dishing out resources to people for massaging the economic hardship, he helps in perfecting people’s transportation network, via the provision of vehicles for their personal use. He recently distributed cars and motorbikes for his people. Not because he got a single Kobo from any government institution. He uses his hard earned money to do what he sincerely believes in.

He is also being disturbed by the economic hardship plaguing the society. Which makes hunger more visible than before. That makes him to be up and doing in cushioning the effect of this ugly experience. He distributes foodstuff on frequent basis. To help body and soul live together.

Zare Jagora is not any super human being, only that he believes in making people happy. While being interested in developing his people, without recourse to any ambition or expectations, he believes when man is developed, all other systems can work in harmony to each other.

If and only if, APC as a strong party in Kano, and the nation in general, is really interested in victory, strength and service to humanity, Zare’s legacy and immense contributions to humanity should not be downgraded to the bottom of the ladder.

Anwar was former Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com

November 4th, 2024

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Opinion

Northern Nigeria’s Silence Amidst Rising Injustices: A Call for a Return to Principled Leadership

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The worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria is no longer merely a concern—it has become a full-blown crisis threatening the lives and liberties of millions. Kidnapping, once considered the work of hardened criminals, is now perceived as a lucrative trade. Even more disturbing is the encroachment of this practice into governance, with reports of state authorities detaining citizens under questionable circumstances, particularly young protesters. These developments raise difficult questions about the strength and integrity of leadership in Northern Nigeria and leave us wondering whether the region still has leaders who genuinely represent its people.

The recent detention of minors, allegedly in unhealthy conditions, illustrates this chilling trend. These young individuals were reportedly taken by the authorities while engaging in a protest to call for better governance. Their alleged crime? Waving a foreign flag, in this case, the Russian flag, which authorities deemed treasonous. They did so, perhaps naively, without recognizing the potential implications, yet the state treated them with severity, reportedly requiring a staggering N10 million per person as bail. In contrast, individuals in Southern Nigeria have raised foreign flags and voiced secessionist sentiments without facing equivalent punishments.

This discrepancy raises difficult questions about the consistency of the law and whether it is applied equally across the country. Why are Northern youth held to such strict standards while similar actions in other regions seem to be treated with leniency? Historically, the North was known for its stalwart leaders—individuals who stood up for the people, challenged the government when necessary, and never allowed the region to be compromised. Leaders like Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, and Malam Aminu Kano left a legacy of dignity, integrity, and advocacy for Northern interests. These figures prioritized the wellbeing of their people, standing up against exploitation and injusticeTheir voices resonated across Nigeria, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape. Today, however, the lack of a unified voice from Northern leaders is disheartening. In the past, these leaders would not have hesitated to demand justice for the detained minors or to negotiate on behalf of their people. Now, the silence of Northern elites on issues like insecurity, youth incarceration, and poor governance has left a void. Instead of elders standing firmly to shield and protect the region’s youth, we are witnessing a tragic indifference that has left many young people feeling abandoned. This crisis of leadership in Northern Nigeria has had severe consequences. Kidnapping and banditry are ravaging communities, youth are disillusioned, and the voices of the people are ignored or, worse, suppressed.

The North is bleeding, and without intervention, the situation will continue to deteriorate. To the elders of the North, if indeed they still exist in spirit and purpose, it is time to rise. The North needs a collective, principled voice to stand against injustice and ensure that the region’s youth are protected and that their futures are not sacrificed to lawlessness or state oppression. The need for Northern Nigeria to reclaim its dignified, protective, and principled leadership has never been more urgent. It is time to break the silence.

Abubakar Ibrahim can be reach via:

habuibrahim76@gmail.com
+2348098454956

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