The Civil Society Groups for Transparency and Accountability has urged Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State to desist from distracting Senator Barau Jibrin from performing his legislative duties in the National Assembly.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that some groups suspected to be sponsored by Mr Ganduje and his allies had on Thursday gathered at the National Assembly, throwing jibes and insults against the Senator.
Rising in Mr Jibrin’s defence, the group, led by its Spokesman, Sunday Attah, gathered at the National Assembly early this morning to condemn the campaign of calumny launched against the Senator and his colleagues by the governor.
Mr Attah said: “What they failed to understand is that they are being used by a highly corrupt Governor whose dollar stuffing video has continued to give Nigeria bad name at the international community.
“We are here today to set the records straight and we call on Governor Ganduje and his misguided advisers to desist from their evil machinations and come to terms with the reality of the fact that Senator Barau Jibrin towering political achievements cannot be dwarfed or subjugated in the eyes of his constituents and the Nigerian public.
“It’s regrettable that Governor Ganduje who should be hiding his face in shame allowed himself to be hoodwinked by political opportunists who would no doubt abandoned him after he lose his temporary immunity.
“Ganduje popularly known as Gandollar has in our nation today symbolizes sleaze, pillage and plunder of public funds and it’s very worrisome to us in the Civil Society to see this corrupt Governor launching campaign of calumny against courageous individuals who are working tirelessly to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Kano State.
“On this note we wish to assure Ganduje and his cohorts, that we will not relent in our struggle until the very day the people of Kano State get justice because of the way and manner he and his families fritter away the resources of the state.
“We are calling Ganduje and whosoever care to listen that we demand that they should leave Senator Barau Jibrin, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, Sha’aban Sharada and all credible people that are openly opposing his thievery of Kano State resources.
“It’s on record that Senator Barau Jibrin alongside his colleagues worked hard to deliver the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari agenda of returning the nation budgetary system to January-December budget cycle.
“Nigerians are happy with this great feat achieved by these credible Nigerians, which has no doubt brought transparency and accountability in our budget system.
“We make bold to say that, under the Distinguished leadership of Senator Barau Jibrin the padding of budgets has become a thing of the past and transparency, openness and accountability is the order of the day.
“It’s on this note that we wish to pass a vote of confidence on the leadership of Senator Barau Jibrin. And we urge him to stay focused and continue to do his good work for the betterment of the country and shouldn’t allow himself to be intimidated by hired urchins and political detractors.
“Finally, we call on the EFCC, ICPC and the Nigeria Immigration Service to put their surveillance on Gandollar, because credible information available to us shows that he’s planning to go on exile before the expiration of his tenure as Governor of Kano State.
“Nigeria can only move forward and achieve it’s full potentials when thieves like Ganduje, who betrayed the trust reposed in them are made to face justice, while credible individuals like Senator Barau Jibrin are applauded and commended for their service to the nation,” Mr Attah added.
