Ganduje Dismisses Kano Governor’s Claims of Court Document Theft as Baseless

By Halima Abdulkadiri

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has strongly refuted allegations made by Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, that he orchestrated the theft of sensitive court documents related to his corruption trial. Ganduje described the accusation as absurd and indicative of the state government’s inability to manage its security and judicial affairs.

In a statement released on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje criticized Yusuf’s assertion, questioning the governor’s competence in securing the state’s legal processes. The former Kano State governor pointed out that even if such documents were taken from the court, the government’s legal team should have backup copies, making the claim of theft implausible.

Governor Yusuf had earlier told reporters in Kano that “enemies of the state” had hired miscreants to vandalize the state high court and steal documents related to Ganduje’s corruption cases. The vandalism occurred during the recent nationwide anti-hunger protests, with the governor suggesting that the act was a targeted mission against the APC national chairman.

However, Ganduje’s aide dismissed the governor’s narrative as outlandish and unfounded. “It is laughable that governance in Kano has been reduced to such a farce, where the state government would suggest that protesters specifically targeted and stole documents related to Dr. Ganduje’s trial,” Olofu said.

He continued, “In this digital age, it’s inconceivable that important documents would only exist in physical form at the court. The state government’s failure to secure these documents or provide digital backups only highlights their incompetence.”

The Yusuf-led government has filed multiple corruption charges against Ganduje, including allegations involving his wife, Hafsat, and son, Umar, related to a $413,000 and N1.38 billion bribery case. Ganduje, however, argued that the continuous allegations against him and his family were part of a broader political agenda by the current state administration to distract from its shortcomings.

Ganduje further accused the Kano State government of attempting to deflect responsibility for the recent unrest in the state by concocting baseless accusations. He urged the people of Kano to remain calm and allow proper investigations to take place, while also reminding Governor Yusuf of the weight that comes with his words and actions as a leader.

“The people of Kano deserve better governance and truth, not propaganda,” Ganduje’s statement concluded.

CCNE Applauds Supreme Court for Releasing Local Government Funds

The Concerned Citizens of North East (CCNE), a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability, has welcomed a recent Supreme Court ruling mandating the immediate release of funds earmarked for local government areas (LGAs).

The was contained in a press statement signed by CCNE’s Secretary General Babangida Inuwa Muhammad, marks a significant victory for grassroots development and governance in the region.

The Supreme Court’s decision addresses longstanding issues of fund misallocation and diversion that have impeded local development efforts.

By upholding constitutional provisions ensuring direct allocation of funds to LGAs, the court has bolstered principles of transparency, accountability, and effective governance.

CCNE views this ruling as pivotal, asserting that it empowers local authorities and strengthens the foundation for sustainable development across communities.

“This landmark decision ensures that LGAs receive the financial resources necessary for development and governance, reinforcing transparency, accountability, and good governance principles,” stated CCNE in their press release.

The organization emphasized the ruling’s potential to revitalize local governance, enabling communities to better tackle their unique challenges through empowered local authorities. CCNE called upon relevant authorities to promptly implement the court’s decision, ensuring funds are utilized judiciously to benefit residents.

“We believe this judgment will enhance LGAs’ capacity to deliver essential services, improve infrastructure, and drive socio-economic development,” CCNE affirmed.

CCNE also urged local officials to transparently and efficiently allocate funds, prioritizing projects that directly benefit residents.

They pledged to monitor the judgment’s implementation closely, collaborating with stakeholders to promote accountability and good governance at all levels within the region.

“This ruling signifies a renewed commitment to decentralization and local governance, crucial for addressing community-specific challenges,” CCNE added.

Looking ahead, CCNE reiterated its commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of Northeastern communities, ensuring local authorities are equipped to drive sustainable development.

They affirmed their ongoing role in safeguarding community interests and fostering an environment conducive to transparent and effective governance.

However, CCNE’s support for the Supreme Court’s decision reflects a broader commitment to advancing accountable governance and empowering local communities.

By championing the efficient use of allocated funds and advocating for sustained development efforts, CCNE aims to foster a region where grassroots needs are met and local governance thrives.

CCNE Applauds Supreme Court for Releasing Local Government Funds

South Korean court acquits ex-Supreme Court chief justice of 47 charges

A South Korean court on Friday acquitted former Supreme Court Chief Justice, Yang Sung-tae, of all 47 charges related to his alleged abuse of judiciary power.

This includes allegations he unfairly influenced politically sensitive trials under ousted former President Park Geun-hye.

The Seoul Central District Court also acquitted two other former Supreme Court justices, Park Byong-dae and Ko Young-han, who were indicted in the same case.

“I express my respect for the court, which ruled clearly on an obvious case,” Yang said as he left the court after the ruling.

Yang, who headed the top court from 2011 to 2017, was accused of having used trials as bargaining chips in dealings with the Park administration to promote his bid to establish a court of appeals.

He was also suspected of having pressed subordinates at the National Court Administration, the top court’s governing body, to devise plans to influence politically sensitive trials for Park.

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It included a compensation suit pursued by victims of Japan’s wartime forced labour.

Prosecutors had demanded prison terms of seven years for Yang, five years for Park and four years for Ko.

The court said most of the charges against some of Yang’s subordinates, including those of abuse of power, could not be proven, and even if they were found partially guilty.

The evidence submitted by the prosecution was insufficient to prove Yang colluded with them.

The former chief justice was indicted under arrest in February 2019 over his suspected role in the power abuse scandal.

He was released on bail in July that year following 179 days of detention.

The sentencing hearing lasted an unusually long four and half hours, due to the vast number of charges involved, and was even adjourned for a 10-minute break.

The Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office said it planned to thoroughly study the details of the ruling before deciding whether to appeal.

Yang was the first chief justice ever to have been arrested as a criminal suspect. 

South Korean court acquits ex-Supreme Court chief justice of 47 charges