Kano anti-graft agency Chairman’s suspension violates the law, HEDA queries

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), has reacted to the suspension of the Chairman, Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Muhyi Magaji Rimingado, by the State House of Assembly stating that the house has violated the law that set it up.

It said the suspension of Magaji “reflects a conscious attempt to muzzle the Commission and undermine its independence by the political leadership of the state.”

Persecondnews recalls that the Kano Speaker, Hamisu Chidari, announced the suspension of Magaji Rimingado at the Assembly’s plenary session on Monday.

The Chairman was suspended for rejecting an accountant sent to its agency by the office of the State Accountant-General.

HEDA, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr Olanrewaju Suraju, said the suspension was not only suspicious but against the law that set 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 statement said.

The group quotes 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” to back up it’s claim.

According to HEDA, employment of staff at the Commission is 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.

“Since Magaji assumed office he has proved to be committed to discharging his duties. This suspension, coming after a rumoured attempt by the Governor to instigate removal of the Chairman through the Assembly, is unfortunate, condemnable and retrogressive at a time when Civil Society organisations and advocates are making strong cases for sub-national 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 favour. His suspension is a dent on the democratic process in Kano,” it asserted.