In response to the withdrawal of policemen attached to the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Chairman Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado characterized the move as a manifestation of corruption pushing back.
During a press conference at his office, Rimin Gado emphasized the professionalism displayed by the police officers working within the Commission, highlighting their steadfastness in not compromising, especially in the investigation of high-profile cases.
He expressed, “When you take a stand against corruption, you are bound to ruffle some feathers and face resistance. This backlash signifies the struggle against corruption.”
Commenting on the attempt to hinder the Commission’s operations, Rimin Gado acknowledged the support of the police authorities, who clarified that the withdrawal was part of a routine personnel audit, attributing the misunderstanding to a communication gap.
It was noted that the pressure wasn’t solely on him, but also on the police officers engaged in probing high-profile cases, indicating a larger resistance against anti-corruption efforts.
Despite the challenges, Rimin Gado affirmed their unwavering commitment to carrying out their duties diligently without compromise, while also highlighting the importance of learning from past mistakes and advocating for amendments in the agency’s legal framework to outline specific roles for the police and other law enforcement agencies.
He revealed that the Commission had faced numerous legal challenges, with 50 to 100 lawsuits filed to halt investigations into high-profile cases, underscoring the intense scrutiny faced in tackling corruption.
Rimin Gado also emphasized the valuable partnerships with the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Ministry of Justice, noting that other states like Jigawa and Benue are looking to replicate the anti-corruption model pioneered by the PCACC.