TheCable

The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has given Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of Kano, an “award of excellence” for efficient management of public resources, accountability, transparency and good governance.

Victor Muruako, FRC chairman, who presented the award to the governor on Monday, said the decision to honour Ganduje was to “appreciate” his efforts in the fight against corruption.

“We need to appreciate your efforts in the anti-corruption drive. That is why we are honouring you with this exceptional ‘Award of Excellence’,” Muruako said.

“Our commission is an anti-corruption agency. We all noticed that you are putting special effort into promoting good governance. It is very clear for all to see that Kano has taken a bold step in the anti corruption effort.”

The FRC chairman, who appreciated the peaceful coexistence and infrastructural development in the state, said the commission was in Kano for a fiscal transparency and accountability sensitisation workshop.

Responding, Ganduje said the state’s anti-corruption commission is working effectively, adding that the government is working on a bill to promote fiscal responsibility.

“We already have a fiscal responsibility bill in the pipeline at the state house of Assembly. And when we are through with it, we must have a synergy with your commission,” he said.

“We are going to have a homogenous implementation of the drive together.”

Ganduje’s award comes despite the controversy on the allegation that he received kickbacks from contractors for projects awarded in the state.

In 2018, a series of secretly recorded videos had shown a figure believed to be the governor pocketing wads of dollars allegedly taken as kickbacks.

The governor had denied the videos, saying they were doctored. He had also gone to the court in the attempt to clear his name.