Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has ordered the immediate suspension of Auwalu Danladi Sankara, the State Commissioner of Special Duties, from the state executive council and established a five-member investigative panel to examine the allegations brought against the commissioner by Hisbah Kano, which imply a connection with the state government.
The panel will be led by the Secretary to the State Government, Bala Ibrahim, and will include the Commissioners for Information and Basic Education—Sagir Musa Ahmed and Lawan Yunusa Danzomo—along with the Special Adviser on Security Matters, Usman Muhammad Jahun, and Muhammad Garun Gabas, the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, serving as Secretary.
According to a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Bala Ibrahim, the suspension is necessary to facilitate a thorough investigation into the allegations of sexual misconduct raised by Hisbah Kano.
Ibrahim noted that this decision arises from recent claims that require careful scrutiny to ensure transparency and uphold the integrity of the state administration.
The SSG emphasized Governor Namadi’s commitment to accountability and adherence to ethical standards in governance.
“The suspension is a precautionary measure intended to facilitate a fair investigation,” said the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim.
“We take all allegations seriously and are dedicated to upholding the trust of Jigawa citizens in the government.”
Furthermore, the SSG said the state government views with serious concern the media reports circulating in various sections of the media alleging the suspended Commissioner’s involvement in an incident reported before Kano State Hisbah recently.
The statement said “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.
“Therefore, the Executive Governor of Jigawa State Malam Umar Namadi has constituted a committee to be chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim, other members of the Committee are:1. Hon. Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture – Member; 2. Hon. Commissioner for Basic Education, Hon Lawal Yunusa Danzomo – Member ; 3. Special Adviser Security Matters – Member; 4; Principal Private Secretary to the Governor – Secretary.
The Committee has two weeks within which to submit its report.
The embattled commissioner had on Friday, in a statement denied the Hisbah claims, describing it as political witch-hunt by his enemies who were bent on tarnishing his image.
His words, “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”.