Former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has defiantly dared the Kano State government, insisting that only the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) possess the legal authority to prosecute him for the alleged N1.38 billion bribe scandal.
Ganduje made this bold statement in response to the Kano State Government’s announcement of a fresh probe into the bribery allegations made against him in 2018.
Addressing the media at his residence in Kano, Ganduje emphatically declared, “I categorically state that only the Attorney-General of the Federation and the EFCC have the constitutional power to institute proceedings against me regarding the alleged N1.38 billion bribery scandal. The Kano State government does not possess the jurisdiction or authority to do so.”
The former governor reminded the public that a video that allegedly showed him receiving kickbacks from contractors went viral in 2018, causing widespread outrage and leading to calls for his immediate resignation. Despite the public outcry, Ganduje refused to step down and maintained his innocence throughout the entire scandal, claiming the video was doctored and manipulated.
Ganduje’s comment comes in response to the state government’s recent decision to create an anti-corruption commission specifically charged with investigating corruption allegations against public officials in Kano.
In defense of his position, Ganduje asserted, “I am fully aware of the Kano State government’s intention to create an anti-corruption commission, but I must reiterate that according to the Nigerian constitution, only the EFCC has the power to investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals accused of financial crimes.”
The former governor also criticized the Kano State government, accusing it of deploying political tactics to discredit him. He claimed that the probe was part of a wider agenda to tarnish his reputation ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Political analysts argue that Ganduje’s defiance signals an impending showdown between him and the Kano State government. It remains to be seen how the Attorney-General of the Federation and the EFCC will respond to his challenge and if they will intervene to take over the investigation.
As the legal wrangle unfolds, citizens eagerly await the outcome of the investigations and potential legal action against the former governor. The situation has further deepened the political divide within Kano State and raises questions about the fight against corruption in Nigeria as a whole.
