Panel on alleged Ganduje’s bribery seeks police protection

The committee set up by the Kano State House of Assembly to probe alleged bribery video against Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has asked for police protection.

Chairman of the committee, Baffa Babba Danagundi, who made the demand yesterday at the state police command, disclosed that the panel would start its public hearing next week.

He said the committee was prepared to conduct legislative investigations through public reaction.

Danagundi said the committee would collate data materials and proof from members of the public on the allegations and reactions to the controversial video footage where Ganduje allegedly collected $5 million bribe.

Although, Danangudi did not disclose any potential pressure or threat, he insisted that the committee and all the witnesses expected to testify before it would need adequate protection.

“We don’t want any member of the committee or witness to be humiliated or intimidated. We are committed and the investigation would be open to allow transparency and justice for all.

Danagundi said representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), journalist and other stakeholders would be allowed to witness the sittings.

The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Yusuf, assured the committee of police support and adequate security before, during and after the sittings.

He said the gravity of the bribery allegation requires thorough investigation to ascertain its authenticity, or otherwise.

He charged members of the committee to give fair hearing to all the parties involved.

Meanwhile, a group, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called for an independent panel to probe the bribery allegation against Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

A statement by its Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa, said this yesterday in Abuja.

It commended the courage of the assembly to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the allegation, but cautioned: “The outcome of such investigation would not command public trust and credibility, except if handled by independent and competent ICT professionals with track record of integrity.”

The group urged the governor to immediately step aside to allow high-level transparency, accountability and rule of law in the process of the investigation. TMusa, who said this was necessary to prevent possible influence of the ‘fact-findings,’ stressed that an independent probe will guarantee fairness, and discourage undue interference in the investigation.