The executive chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Muhuyi Rimingado, says the commission will not relent in its vigorous fight against corruption in the state.

Mr Rimingado made the pledge in an interview with journalists in Kano while listing some achievements of the anti-corruption agency.

According to him, the commission consists of Public Complaints, Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Departments that are very active and record commendable strides.

“We are fighting corruption in Kano with all vigour; we are investigating without compromise,” he added.

Mr Rimingado said the commission had successfully investigated four grand corruption cases involving billions of naira.

“One is that of N4 billion syphoned from Kano State Treasury to Kano State Agricultural Supply Company, then to individual pockets.

“In April 2023, we had a case on the issue of syphoned N436 million that was under the pretext of procuring longer-lasting treated mosquito nets.

“We have another case whereby some unpatriotic public officers connived in that same April last year and stole the sum of N1 billion belonging to Kano state with a single paper.

“It was done under the guise of renovating some 30 roads within the metropolis which has not been done; the money we traced back to a bureau de change.

“We are currently investigating a case of missing local government funds.

“Based on confessional statements and evidence derived from (in) the cause of investigation from both financial institutions, government departments and ministries, we established the fact that the sum of N30 billion was traced to some very few individuals.

“We never take it lightly with them; this is the commonwealth of the government and of the people of Kano state.

“It is meant to serve people and not serve few individuals who are privileged to be in the position of authority.”

Mr Rimingado explained that appropriate legal action would be taken after the investigations to ensure that those found wanting face the wrath of the law.

According to him, the commission’s passion is fuelled by a sense of patriotism, putting the people first and the need to restore sanity to the polity.

“I believe that if we do not fight corruption, then we are losing it because corruption is virtually responsible for every problem we have.

“You can trace it, ranging from insecurity, whatever problem you may think of, it has its roots in corrupt practices.

“It is corrupt practices that create hatred among the people, it fuels militancy because, as we say, an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”

He called for collective action to end corruption in Nigeria.

“So we will have to stand up and, I believe, it is a wake-up call for all states in Nigeria to have an agency like this.

“If you do not fight corruption, then you are missing everything.

“You are doing harm to the education system; you are doing harm to the health system, transportation system and our infrastructure.”

Mr Rimingado commended Governor Abba Yusuf for retrieving Hasiya Bayero Paediatric Hospital, which was allegedly sold for N6 million.

He said the hospital, which was reopened in August 2023, has been renovated to a world-class standard to provide round-the-clock health services to the people.

Mr Rimingado acknowledged the enormous challenges in tackling corruption, especially pressure from highly placed individuals and institutions, but said his team would not be deterred.

“Corruption is wreaking havoc on Nigeria and I am passionate even if it will cost my life.

“I am passionate and committed to this cause and I will do it to the best of my ability,” he added.

(NAN)