Kano’s Anti-Graft agency chief has stated that civil servants are responsible for the majority of corruption cases, emphasizing the need for reform.
According to Muhuyi Magaji Rimin-Gado, the Chairman of Kano State’s Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission (PCACC), corruption within government is primarily carried out through collaboration with civil servants.
Rimingado, while addressing civil service directors at a capacity building event focused on anti-corruption principles in Dawakin Kudu Local Government area of Kano State last Saturday, stated that civil servants are frequently pressured into engaging in corrupt practices.
According to him, out of the 101 instances of bribery and corruption that were examined, civil servants actively participated and colluded in 99 percent of them which makes them liable for perpetuating corruption as dangerous instruments.
The head of the anti-corruption agency has revealed that after conducting investigations, it was discovered that top government officials in the state involve civil servants in fraudulent activities.
He stated that the commission chose to arrange a capacity building workshop for civil servants in order to educate them on the negative effects and consequences of engaging in corrupt practices.
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Our aim is to raise awareness amongst civil servants about the illegal use of their services by politicians. They are often caught in the crossfire of corrupt activities. In all instances where our agency is investigating corruption on Kano ground, civil servants have become key ingredients and tools for those operating at high levels within such elements.
Procurement services are responsible for 90% of corruption cases.
Politicians use procurement as a cover-up when they want to engage in theft.
Our objective is to raise awareness among them regarding Anti-Corruption Law, public procurement and financial management regulations. We aim to provide insights with regards to the proper handling of Kano State’s public funds while adhering strictly to relevant legislation on Anti-corruption as well as other pertinent laws that will aid in their discharge of duties.
The reason for having the presence of local government personnel is due to an incident where politicians utilized personal accounts belonging to cashiers at the local level in order to embezzle public funds. These particular individuals provided their assistance by withdrawing monetary amounts, delivering them to bureau de change locations and subsequently providing reimbursements as well.
He explained that they intend to caution them against the repercussions of engaging in corrupt practices. Those caught involved in any form of corruption will face stipulated penalties accordingly. Their resolve is firm towards implementing the state government’s anti-corruption policy, with absolute zero tolerance for all forms of bribery and graft activities.
In a previous statement, Abba Kabir Yusuf, the governor of the state expressed his distress over how the prior administration completely drained the state’s coffers through consistent plundering. He stated that throughout their eight-year reign, “they went on an unrestrained looting spree”.
He pleaded with the Directors of the state civil service to abstain from any type of corruption and instead adopt sincerity, commitment and altruistic services for the advancement of the state.
The governor’s statement, delivered by Deputy Governor Abdulsalam Gwarzo, communicated that the NNPP government upholds a strict anti-corruption policy. Therefore, all MDAs must adhere to this principle and act accordingly.
