August 27, (THEWILL) — Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has constituted an 11-member panel to investigate the alleged sale of the Nigerian Meat and Allied Products (NIMAP) abattoir by the immediate past administration of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The multi-billion naira facility, located at Chalawa Industrial Area, was built by former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to generate revenue and create jobs. It was, however, reportedly auctioned off under Ganduje’s government.
Inaugurating the committee on Wednesday at the Cabinet Office, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruq Ibrahim, who represented Governor Yusuf, said the probe was necessary to protect the state’s critical infrastructure from what he described as illegal transactions carried out for selfish interests.
The panel, chaired by former chairman of the state Anti-Corruption Agency, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin-Gado, is mandated to recover public assets and recommend punitive measures against those found culpable.
According to the terms of reference, the committee will probe the circumstances surrounding the sale of the abattoir land and equipment, review all documents and agreements, and assess compliance with relevant laws and due process.
It will also determine the culpability of individuals and organisations involved, recover public funds or assets lost in the transaction, and recommend legal, administrative, or disciplinary actions against those indicted.
“The committee is further directed to propose measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future and suggest steps towards establishing a modern meat processing plant that meets international standards,” the SSG said.
Responding, Rimin-Gado assured that the panel would conduct the assignment diligently and without fear or favour.
Other members of the committee include the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Alhaji Adamu Aliyu Kibiya; Alhaji Nasiru Inuwa Wada (Magajin Garin Kano); Special Adviser on Constitutional Matters, Barrister Aminu Hussain; Muhammad Yusuf Danduwa; Barrister Hamza Nuhu Dantani; Alhaji Muhammad Aminu Inuwa; Barrister Amina Umar Garba; and Barrister Bashir Sabiu. Abdulkadir Shehu of the Office of the Head of Civil Service will serve as secretary.
The committee is expected to submit its report within three weeks.
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
