Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has constituted an 11-member committee to investigate the alleged sale of the Nigerian Meat and Allied Products (NIMAP) Abattoir at Chalawa Industrial Area during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The abattoir, a multi-million naira facility built by the administration of Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, was designed to provide multiple services, generate revenue, and create jobs for the state.
Inaugurating the committee on behalf of the governor, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruq Ibrahim, said on Wednesday in Kano that the probe became necessary to hold the immediate past administration accountable.
He said the government had a duty to protect critical public assets from being disposed of illegally for selfish interests.
The SSG said the committee, chaired by former chairman of the state Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin-Gado, was mandated to recover public assets and recommend punitive measures against individuals found culpable.
“The committee is to review all documents, agreements and approvals related to the transaction, determine compliance with extant laws and due process, and recover any funds, assets or equipment lost in the process.
“It is also expected to determine the roles and culpability of individuals, organisations or government agencies involved, and recommend legal, administrative or disciplinary measures where necessary.
“The committee should further propose measures to prevent a recurrence and suggest steps for establishing a modern meat processing plant that meets international standards,” he added.
Responding, Rimin-Gado assured that the committee would discharge its assignment diligently and without fear or favour.
Other members include the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Alhaji Adamu Aliyu Kibiya; Alhaji Nasiru Inuwa Wada (Magajin Garin Kano); Special Adviser on Constitutional Matters, Barrister Aminu Hussain; Muhammad Yusuf Danduwa; Barrister Hamza Nuhu Dantani; Alhaji Muhammad Aminu Inuwa; Barrister Amina Umar Garba; and Barrister Bashir Sabiu.
Abdulkadir Shehu of the Office of the Head of Civil Service will serve as secretary.
The committee has three weeks to submit its report.