The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to non-interference in ongoing legal proceedings involving former governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, who is currently facing multiple cases in court.
The assurance was given by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, during an interview with PUNCH on Friday.
The clarification comes amid recent political developments, following Governor Abba Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the All Progressives Congress.
Speaking earlier at a reception held at the Government House, Yusuf explained that his decision to join the APC was the result of extensive consultations and was driven by the desire to accelerate development and progress in Kano State.
While welcoming the governor into the APC, Ganduje expressed confidence in Yusuf’s leadership and announced that the party had granted him an automatic ticket for the 2027 governorship election.
“You will win your second term in 2027. We have spoken to all aspirants, and they have agreed to support you.
“In APC, all serving governors are leaders of the party in their respective states. Therefore, you are the leader of the APC in Kano State,” Ganduje said.
Addressing concerns about possible political influence on judicial processes, Waiya stressed that the state government remains committed to respecting the independence of the courts.
“Governor Yusuf has never interfered in any case before the courts.
‘Even if it involves one of his aides, whoever commits an offence and is taken to court, the governor will not interfere,” he told PUNCH.
Reacting to the position, the Chief of Staff to the former governor, Mohammed Garba, described the government’s stance as reassuring and in line with democratic principles.
“We never expected them to interfere. The independence of the judiciary must be respected at all times,” Garba said.
He added, “I am confident that all cases that are politically motivated will be reviewed fairly from both sides, now that we are one family. Justice must take its course without bias or pressure.”
Garba further noted, “Other cases will be allowed to proceed under the court’s oversight. This is normal; we do not anticipate any interference from the government.”
Several high-profile cases involving Ganduje are currently pending before different courts, including allegations related to contract awards, financial management and other politically sensitive issues from his tenure as governor of Kano State between 2015 and 2023.
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