Suspension of Kano anti-corruption boss illegal, suspicious – HEDA

Story from Kenneth AFOR, Lagos

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), has stated that the suspension of Muhyi Magaji, Chairman, Kano State Public Complaints and Anti -Corruption Commission is an aberration of the law that constituted the anti-corruption body.

Mr Magaji, on Monday, was suspended by the Kano State House of Assembly for rejecting an accountant from the Office of the Accountant General of the state which the House members had wanted to impose on him.

He was asked to vacate his office for one month.

However, his suspension, according to HEDA in a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr Olanrewaju Suraju, “reflects a conscious attempt to muzzle the Commission and undermine its independence by the political leadership of the State.”

HEDA further stated that the suspension is not only suspicious but against the law that sets up the Commission.

“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.

The group cited section 8 of the Law setting up the Commission which states that “In exercising its powers under this law, the Commission shall not be subjected to the direction and control of any authority”

Employment of staff at the Commission, according to HEDA, was the prerogative of the Chairman with reference to section 15 (g to i) which states that the Commission shall “make general policies for the appointments, promotions and discipline of its staff; make rules for the general administration of the Commission” among other things.

Suraju said since Magaji assumed office, he has proved to be committed to discharging his duties with fairness, equity and the highest moral ground. This suspension, coming after a rumoured attempt by the Governor to instigate the removal of the Chairman through the Assembly, is unfortunate, condemnable and retrogressive at a time when Civil Society organisations and advocates are making strong cases for Subnational Anti-Corruption Agencies.

“HEDA was in the Commission’s office in Kano in 2019 and provided capacity-building support, free of charge to the staff. We have had the course to examine the excellent work the Commission has been doing and its determination to fight corruption without fear or favour. His suspension is a dent on the democratic process in Kano” Suraju said.