Jigawa State Governor, Mallam Umar Namadi has ordered the immediate suspension of the Commissioner of Special Duties, Auwalu Danladi Sankara as a member of the state executive council.
He also raised a five-member investigative panel to probe the veracity of Hisbah Kano’s allegations against the embattled commissioner, linking the state government with the conduct.
The probe panel, which is to be headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Bala Ibrahim, has as other members the Commissioner for Information, Sagir Musa Ahmed; his counterpart for Basic Education, Lawan Yunusa Danzomo; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Usman Muhammad Jahun; while the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Muhammad Garun Gabas as the Secretary.
According to a statement on Saturday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Bala Ibrahim, the suspension was to necessitate a thorough into the allegation of sexual misconduct by Kano State Hisbah.
The SSG emphasised the commitment to accountability and adherence to ethical standards in governance by the governor.
He further said: “The suspension is a precautionary measure intended to facilitate a fair investigation.
“We take all allegations seriously and are dedicated to upholding the trust of Jigawa citizens in the government”.
He said the state government views with serious concern the media reports alleging the suspended commissioner’s involvement in an incident recently reported before Kano State Hisbah.
The statement further read: “The reports has caused significant embarrassment and degradation to the reputation of the State Government.
“Accordingly, the state government is compelled to set up a committee to investigate the reality of the allegations.
The committee has two weeks within which to submit its report.
In a statement last Friday, Sankara denied the Hisbah claims, describing it as political witch-hunt by his enemies who were bent on tarnishing his image.
He said: “My attention has been drawn to a recent media report alleging that I, Auwal D. Sankara, Commissioner for Special Duties in the Jigawa State Government, have been arrested by the Kano Hisbah Command on charges of having an affair with a married woman.
“I wish to categorically state that these allegations are entirely false, baseless, and malicious, aimed at tarnishing my reputation. I urge the general public to disregard this fabricated story, which has been concocted by certain political elements to damage my character and integrity.
“As a married man, I have the utmost respect for the institution of marriage and would never engage in actions that violate its sanctity. I remain committed to upholding the values and principles that I stand for.
“I am taking this matter seriously and will pursue legal action against those responsible for spreading this false information and attempting to cause harm to my person”.
