Alleged bribery scandal: Why I have not spoken on Ganduje – Buhari

– President Buhari has revealed why he has not spoken on the bribery scandal involving Governor Ganduje

– Buhari said he decided not to comment on the scandal since Kano state lawmakers have waded into the matter

– The president added that he hoped to get more information on the bribery scandal when he visits Kano for his re-election campaign

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he has refused to speak on the allegations of bribery levelled against Governor Umar Ganduje of Kano state because the Kano state House of Assembly has waded into the matter.

The president said this on Wednesday, January 16, while fielding questions from journalist Kadaria Ahmed on a Town Hall meeting aired live on NTA.

The event tagged The Candidates, is part of a series journalist Kadaria Ahmed is organising for presidential candidates and their running mates for the 2019 elections. It was organised by the MacArthur Foundation, in collaboration with NTA and DARIA Media.

President Buhari, VP Yemi Osinbajo and Ms Kadaria Ahmed at the Town Hall Meeting. Credit: Femi Adesina
Source: Facebook

The president also noted that he has not been to Kano state since the video alleging Ganduje as taking bribes from contractors was leaked.

President Buhari said: “Hopefully, by the time I go to Kano for my campaign, I will have the information.”

Meanwhile, President Buhari has also urged persons or organisations with any evidence of corrupt practices against members of his administration to come forward with such shreds of evidenceto him for prompt action.

He was specifically fielding questions on the allegations that the government’s anti-corruption crusade was skewed against a section of Nigerians, and that members of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) with questionable credentials were being protected by the government.

The moderator specifically cited the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, who was relieved of his appointment over allegations of corrupt practices, but was not prosecuted, instead he had been seen campaigning for the president.

The president said the criticism was unfair, insisting that there is nobody being pointed out as corrupt in his government which he looked the other direction. He explained that he has to be careful and let the matters go through law courts as he cannot handle them in a military style.

The president reiterated that his administration would not tolerate any form of corrupt practices from any quarters, saying those making allegations should be able to provide evidence why the accused should be prosecuted.