Kano Anti-Corruption Boss’ Two-Term Saga: Governor Has Powers to Extend Tenure, Say Officials

The tenure of the Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Barrister Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, has continued to stir controversy as some opposition figures argue that his time in office should end this year, having completed two terms. However, officials insist the governor has the constitutional powers to extend his tenure.

Investigations by our correspondent reveal that Barrister Muhyi remains firmly in office, bolstered by provisions that vest the power to appoint, reappoint, or extend the tenure of such public officials squarely in the hands of the governor.

Barrister Muhyi was first appointed to head the state’s anti-corruption agency in 2015 by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. However, his tenure was abruptly cut short in 2020 when he was removed from office amid what the government claimed was an investigation into his conduct. Political analysts, however, widely interpreted his removal as retaliation for probing contracts allegedly linked to the former governor’s wife.

Unwilling to accept what he termed an unjust dismissal, Barrister Muhyi challenged his removal at the Industrial Court in Kano. The court later ruled in his favor, declaring that “whatever was done with regard to the removal of Barrister Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado was done in nullity,” effectively nullifying Ganduje’s action.

Despite this judicial victory, Barrister Muhyi was reportedly dismissed again in 2023 by Ganduje’s administration. But the tables turned following the 2023 elections, when the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) administration led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf came into power. The new government promptly implemented the court judgment and reinstated Barrister Muhyi to his position.

Speaking on the legality of his continued stay in office, a senior official of the anti-corruption agency, who asked not to be named, explained that Section 11 of the Interpretation Law gives the governor the authority to appoint, reappoint, and even extend the tenure of public servants. He further cited Section 4 of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission Law, which explicitly empowers the governor to extend the tenure of the commission’s chairman without limitation.

“Therefore, anyone who is not satisfied with these statutory provisions and the actions of the government should seek legal interpretation in court instead of making baseless accusations against an appointee who does not have the personal power to extend his stay in office,” the official said.

Observers note that this controversy underscores the complex interplay of politics, law, and anti-corruption efforts in Kano State, with Barrister Muhyi’s office often at the center of heated debates. For now, his tenure continues under the clear authority of the governor, unless successfully challenged in court.