Ganduje Remains Calm as Anti-Graft Agency Reopens Dollar Video Investigation

The former governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has said he is not bothered by the plan of the state’s anti-graft agency to reopen the investigation of the controversial dollar video that allegedly showed him receiving bribes from contractors.

The chairman of the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti Corruption Commission (PCACC), Muhuyi Rimin-Gado, had vowed to reopen the investigation against the former governor, who is now out of office and has lost his immunity.

Rimin-Gado said: “When I said I will investigate Ganduje’s dollar case, he was the incumbent governor…I was working under him. Let alone now that he is a former governor? So I meant every word I said. At that time, I told you we will open an investigation and we are investigating.”

He added that the commission would do what was necessary to ensure justice and accountability.

The Dollar Video Saga

The dollar video saga began in 2018 when an online publication, Daily Nigerian, released some videos of Ganduje allegedly collecting money from contractors to the tune of $5 million in cash.

The videos sparked outrage and calls for Ganduje’s resignation or impeachment. However, the former governor denied the allegation, saying the videos were doctored and manipulated.

He also sued the publisher of Daily Nigerian, Jaafar Jaafar, for defamation and claimed N3 billion as damages. The case is still pending in court.

The PCACC had initially launched an investigation into the matter but suspended it due to a court order obtained by Ganduje.

The Reaction of Ganduje’s Camp

The former commissioner for information in Kano State under Ganduje’s administration, Muhammad Garba, who is an ally of the former governor, said they were not concerned about the plan to reopen the investigation.

Garba said in an interview with BBC Hausa that the matter was already before the court and that Rimin-Gado, being a lawyer himself, should know what to do.

He said: “We are closely observing the situation to see how it unfolds. As a lawyer, Muhuyi is best equipped to determine whether he has the legal authority to investigate the matter that is before the court.”

He also said that he had spoken to Ganduje and that he remained unperturbed by the situation. He said: “This is strictly a legal matter.”

Garba said that if the former governor was summoned by the commission, he would consult with his legal team and decide on the appropriate course of action.

Newsflash Nigeria is an online newspaper that is developed and written exclusively for Nigerians. It’s packed with up-to-the-minute Local and National Economy News, Share & Capital Market, Health, Sports, Education, Technology, Business and Opinions.

To make further advert enquiries or place an order, please contact us at [email protected] and +2348053316946 and WhatsApp number 08033546732