Ex-gov’s family, appointees in fresh trouble
Hearing on the enforcement of fundamental human right, instituted by immediate past governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, against the state’s Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Agency opened yesterday with fresh revelations.

Counsel for the anti-corruption agency (1st respondent), Femi Falana (SAN), told the court that Ganduje was being invited to answer questions on N1 billion public fund that grew wings under his administration.

The human rights advocate also challenged the power of the court to extend the order protecting Ganduje’s fundamental human right to his children, family members and those that served under him in his eight-year rule.

He argued that as stipulated in Section 46 of the rules, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) has not given the court the leverage under the rule of fundamental right to grant protection to any individual whose name was not mentioned before the court.

If the court eventually withdraws the order on enforcement of fundamental human rights extended to Ganduje’s family and appointees, however, they may also be invited to answer questions.

The ex-governor had secured an interim order dated July 7, 2023 from the Federal High Court, Kano, restraining the anti-corruption agency, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Director General of the State Security Service and five others from “harassing, intimidating, inviting or arresting” him or any member of his family or any appointee, who served under his administration, over the dollar video scandal.

Ganduje’s swift legal action was prompted by the two-week ultimatum issued by the anti-corruption agency to the former governor, who was invited to answer questions on his involvement in the video where millions of dollars allegedly exchange hands between two persons. 

Falana, who maintained that Ganduje’s immunity expired on May 29, 2023, urged the former governor to protect his dignity and respect the sanity of the law by honouring the invitation.

He urged the court to dismiss Ganduje’s application, which he claimed was intended to muzzle the rule of law and provisions of the anti-corruption agency to investigate corrupt practices.

Counsel to the applicant, Matthew Bukar (SAN), in a counter-argument, insisted that the position of Falana could not stand the test of time, considering the powers vested in the court by the constitution to enforce the fundamental right of any individual.

Bukar, who urged the court to dismiss Falana’s position, wanted Justice Abdullahi Liman to be guided by the Act of Fundamental Right 2009 in the constitution.

Ganduje’s lawyer told the court that inviting his client to answer questions on a subject, which is already before a Federal High Court, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) division, amounts to sub judice. Although, counsel to Ganduje insisted they were not opposed to invitation extended to his client, the bone of contention was whether or not due process was followed, just as he asked the court to grant his application.

Having heard the arguments of all the parties, Justice Liman adjourned the matter till September 22, 2023 for judgment.