The League of Civil Society Organizations in Kano State has accused the state government over what it described as disturbing threats, intimidation, and harassment being directed at its members after calling for the suspension of government officials accused of corruption, pending outcome of the ongoing investigations.
This is contained in a statement signed by
Comrade Bala Abdullahi Gaduwama of Wuro Development Concerns and Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, Esq. of the Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement and 18 representatives of other CSOs, a copy of which was made available to Daily Telescope on Monday.
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“The league of Civil Society Organizations in Kano State wishes to draw the attention of the general public, relevant security agencies, and the media to the disturbing threats, intimidation, and harassment currently being directed at our members following our recent call for the suspension of public officials in the Kano State Government accused of corruption, pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.
“On Saturday, August 23, 2024, a Coalition of 20 CSOs, after a careful review of unfolding corruption scandals within the state administration, raised alarm over the grave implications of allowing government officials who are accused of corruption to continue to occupy sensitive public offices.
“In good faith, we urged the state government to demonstrate its commitment to accountability and transparency by suspending the affected officials until investigations are concluded. This measure was intended not only to protect the integrity of government but also to restore public confidence in governance.
The group recalled that in July, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission concluded investigations into an alleged N1.02 billion money laundering scheme involving the Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, Prof. Sani Lawan Malumfashi, the Commission’s Secretary, Anas Mustapha, and a Deputy Director, Ado Garba.
“According to the ICPC, the officials diverted funds from the Commission’s account to a private company under the pretext of paying ad hoc electoral staff—despite banks having already handled the disbursement.
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Barely a month later, another scandal broke involving the Director General of Protocol at Government House, Abdullahi Ibrahim-Rogo, who was accused of siphoning N6.5 billion through proxies and bureau de change operators. Both the EFCC and ICPC alleged that Mr. Rogo used firms including H&M Nigeria Limited, A.Y. Maikifi Petroleum, and Ammas Oil and Gas Limited to launder funds through fictitious contracts.
“It was against these backdrops that the League of Civil Society Organizations in Kano State, in line with its responsibility as the watchdog of society, demanded the suspension of the affected officials to preserve public confidence in government.
“Regrettably, since the release of that statement, some of our members have come under intense pressure, harassment, and outright threats from influential individuals and vested interests determined to silence our collective voice,” they alleged .
The group further alleged that two members of the coalition, after sustained intimidation of their families and relatives, were coerced into issuing disclaimers and withdrawing their earlier stance, noting that this worrisome development clearly points to an orchestrated attempt to weaken civil society’s role as watchdogs of democracy and accountability in Kano State.
“Even more troubling are credible reports that certain powerful individuals, dissatisfied with our principled position, are now resorting to manufacturing sinister measures to clamp down on us. These measures include the use of state apparatus to intimidate our organizations aimed at distracting and silencing the leading voices in our coalition.
“We, therefore, wish to state categorically that any harm, harassment, or intimidation meted out to any of our members or their families should be traced directly to these individuals and their collaborators within the system.
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“We hold the Police, Department of State Services, and other security agencies in Kano and at the federal level fully responsible for the safety of our members.
“No amount of threat, coercion, or blackmail will deter us from standing for the truth, defending the public interest, and ensuring a better Kano,” the group added.
