Kano Assembly Speaker resigns over Emir Sanusi probe

The speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Kabiru Rurum, has resigned amidst allegation of collecting money to scuttle the investigation of the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II.

The House had moved to investigate the Emir for alleged corruption, but later backed down.

Kano’s anti-corruption agency also suspended its investigation of the monarch after prominent Nigerians, including Acting President Osinbajo, intervened.

The speaker, Mr. Rurum, faced allegation of being bribed to discontinue the probe, an allegation he denied.

Mr. Rurum resigned on Monday in a letter read at plenary by the Deputy Speaker, Ibrahim Chidariof, who presided over the sitting on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the former speaker was alleged to have collected N100 million from business mogul Aliko Dangote but failed to share the money to the members.

Mr. Dangote’s spokesperson denied that the business mogul gave any money to the Speaker or anyone else to halt the impeachment moves.

“It is outright lies that the speaker received any money from Alhaji Dangote,” Nduka Chiejina said. “He did not meet with the speaker, and could not have given any money to him”.

He had earlier at a news briefing before the assembly went on Sallah recess, denied the allegation and threatened to sue an online media organisation that first published the report.

The deputy speaker, who read the letter, said Mr. Rurum resigned to protect his image due to allegations bordering on corruption leveled against him by some of the members.

NAN reports that shortly after the letter was read and accepted, the lawmakers elected the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Abdullahi Atta, as the new Speaker.

Mr. Atta, who represents Fagge constituency, was nominated for the position by Babangida Yakudima and Zubairu Mamuda and the nomination was unanimously accepted by the members including Mr. Rurum who was at the sitting. (NAN)