Ganduje skips probe panel, sends commissioner to deny bribery allegation

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, on Friday denied the bribery allegation levelled against him by an online newspaper, Daily Nigeria.
Although the governor could not appear before the Kano State House of Assembly Committee investigating the allegation, he was represented by the Commissioner of Information, Muhammad Garba, and the Commissioner of Justice, Ibrahim Mukhtar.
Presenting a letter from the governor to the lawmakers, Mr Garba said the allegation was mischievous and an attempt by Ganduje’s political opponents to undermine his credibility.
According to him, the content the governor’s message to the committee is a stark reminder to all politicians that the pursuit of democratic sustainability comes with a steep price.
The commissioner stressed that the governor remained one of those political figures who have the fortitude to pursue a better tomorrow against many odds.
In his remarks, Chairman of the House Committee, Mr Baffa Babba, commended the governor for his foresight in responding to the lawmakers’ request.
The publisher of the online news medium, Mr Jaafar Jaafar, appeared before the House committee on Thursday last week to defend his allegation against the governor.
Presenting a statement to the lawmakers, Mr Jaafar explained the circumstances surrounding the emergence of the videos and affirmed the authenticity of the recordings.
The committee had consequently invited Governor Ganduje to appear before it for questioning over the allegation against him.
In a letter addressed to the governor and dated October 31, 2018, Ganduje was asked to provide the lawmakers with his perspective on the matter.