Posted by Amarachi on Wed 21st Aug, 2024 - tori.ng
As the investigation intensifies, key figures associated with the case are expected to be questioned by the commission’s investigators.
The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has now imposed a post-no-debit order on accounts linked to an alleged local government contract scam in the state.
The agency froze the sum of ₦160 million while initiating steps to recover an additional ₦440 million.
As the investigation intensifies, key figures associated with the case are expected to be questioned by the commission’s investigators.
Among those to be interrogated is Musa Garba Kwankwaso, a nephew of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
Musa Kwankwaso, who is scheduled to appear before the commission’s investigators on Thursday, is anticipated to provide answers regarding his company, Novomed Pharmaceuticals, and its role in the alleged contract scam.
The controversy centers around allegations that contracts were awarded without following due process, with each of the 44 local government councils in the state reportedly directed to pay approximately ₦9 million monthly for the supply of drugs.
This amounts to a total of ₦396 million every month. The contract, according to reports, was exclusively awarded to Novomed Pharmaceuticals, raising concerns over potential misconduct and abuse of office.
The scandal first came to light when Bello Galadanchi, a Nigerian filmmaker and content creator based in the United States, made allegations that the Kano State government had directed each local government to pay around ₦10 million for drug supplies under questionable circumstances.
According to Galadanchi, 25 local governments, including Tofa, Bebeji, Dambatta, Dawakin Tofa, Doguwa, Kumbotso, Tudun Wada, Gezawa, Ungogo, Warawa, Ajingi, Kabo, Kura, Madobi, Bichi, Gwarzo, Rogo, Garun Mallam, Takai, Shanono, Kiru, Makoda, Nasarawa, and Gabasawa, have already made payments for August to the company’s account.
Critics had alleged lack of transparency in the dealings of the local governments’ interim management committees appointed by Governor Yusuf in March, after the tenures of the elected council chairmen expired.
Governor Yusuf had, late last week, distanced himself from the contract by denying prior knowledge of the deal and ordering an immediate probe into the matter.
In an interview with Daily Trust, the chairman of the PCACC, Muhuyi Magaji, said, “We’ve already issued invitations to about five or six individuals, including the permanent secretary of the Ministry for Local Governments, the Director of Planning, and the Director of Local Government Inspection.”
He said the commission also summoned the chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano State, the state secretary of the association, as well as the chairman of the Local Governments Directors of Personnel Management Forum. Also invited is the public relations officer of the forum.