Suspension of Kano anti-corruption commission Chairman illegal- Anti-graft group says

The suspension of the Chairman, Kano State Public Complaints and Anti- Corruption Commission, Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado violates the law that set up the anti-corruption group, Nigeria’s anti-fraud group said on Monday.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda, (HEDA) in a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, said the suspension of Magaji reflects a conscious attempt to muzzle the Commission and undermine its independence by the political leadership of the State.

Solacebase reports that Kano State House of Assembly had suspended the Chairman of the State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission, Muhuyi Magaji, on Monday.

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The House based its logic on Magaji’s refusal to accept an accountant from the Office of the Accountant General. The AG then wrote a petition against the Chairman for rejecting the posting.

Mr Magaji was asked to vacate his office for one month.

HEDA said the suspension is not only suspicious but against the law that sets up the Commission.

“The suspension of Magaji has raised a lot of credibility problems for the Kano House of Assembly. From all indications, the lawmakers wanted to impose a stooge on the Chairman to interfere in the finances of the commission.” The ant-graft group said.

The group quoted section 8 of the Law setting up the Commission which states that “In exercising its powers under this law, the Commission shall not be subjected to the direction and control of any authority”

HEDA said employment of staff at the Commission was the prerogative of the Chairman citing section 15 (g to i) which states that the Commission shall “make general policies for the appointments, promotions, and discipline of its staff; make rules for the general administration of the Commission” among other things.

Suraju said since Magaji assumed office he has proved to be committed to discharging his duties with fairness, equity, and the highest moral ground. This suspension, coming after a rumored attempt by the Governor to instigate the removal of the Chairman through the Assembly, is unfortunate, condemnable, and retrogressive at a time when Civil Society organizations and advocates are making a strong case for Subnational Anti-Corruption Agencies.

“HEDA was in the Commission’s office in Kano in 2019 and provided capacity-building support, free of charge to the staff. We have had a course to examine the excellent work the Commission has been doing and its determination to fight corruption without fear or favor. His suspension is a dent on the democratic process in Kano” Suraju said.