The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) on Monday said the suspension of the chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Muhyi Magaji, violates the law that set up the anti-corruption group.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, HEDA said the suspension of Magaji was a conscious attempt by the political leadership of the state to muzzle the commission and undermine its independence.
“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,” HEDA said
Quoting relevant sections of the law setting up the commission, HEDA said the employment of staff at the commission is the prerogative of the chairman.
The Kano State House of Assembly had suspended Magaji ostensibly for refusing to accept an accountant from the Office of the Accountant-General that the House members had wanted to impose on him.
Magaji was asked to vacate his office for one month.
But the HEDA chairman said since Magaji assumed office, he had proved to be committed to discharging his duties.
He said the suspension, coming after an alleged attempt by the governor to instigate his removal 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.
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