Why Ganduje didn’t appear before panel

Kano’s Governor Abdullahi Ganduje decided not to appear before the House of Assembly’s committee probing the alleged $5 million bribery against him.

He however sent his information commissioner to the panel

Muhammad Garba submitted the governor’s written statement, an option he chose from the three the lawmakers gave the governor.

“His Excellency has categorically and unapologetically denied collection of bribe as alleged by Daily Nigerian. His Excellency has not collected and will never collect bribe. The allegation is injurious and damaging to his personality,” the commissioner told the panel headed by Bappa Dan’ agundi.

In the letter, Ganduje advised the committee to exercise caution in handling the allegation.
He noted that the Daily Nigerian’s publisher that leaked the video of the governor taking bribes has published damaging allegations against former governor of Kano, Ibrahim Shekarau, and Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi ll.

The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Ibrahim Mukhtar commended the committee for being just and fair to the accused and accuser.

“The way the invitation to the governor was crafted, shows fairness by providing multiple options to His Excellency either to appear himself, send representative or (a) written statement,” Mr Mukhtar said.

The counsel to Mr Ganduje, Ma’aruf Yakasai, said his client has the option to sue the publisher for defamation but opted to honour and allow the house to handle the matter.
Dan’agundi said the committee will invite graphic experts to watch the video clips on Tuesday.

The governor and the publisher, Jafaar Jafaar, will also come along with their counsels.