KANSLAM urges media to hold government accountable

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

Kano State-Led Accountability Mechanism (KANSLAM) has urged media to make government accountable for development to reign in Nigeria.
Speaking at a media parley organised by KanSLAM with support from Pathfinder International, Dr Musa Muhammad Bello said KanSLAM as accountability platform supports Kano state government’s investigation on recent drug contract scam.
reports that the investigation focused on the allegations that approximately N10 million was unlawfully siphoned from each of the 44 local government accounts to Novomed pharmaceuticals purportedly for the procurement of medical supplies.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has directed the executive chairman of Kano State Public Complaint and Anti Corruption Commission Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado to investigate the allegations thoroughly and report the findings for further necessary action
Bello therefore called on the state’s anti-graft agency to be rsolut and transparent in the investigation and make sure it is done to a logical conclusion.
In her presentation the co-chair of KanSLAM (CSO) Pharmacist Maimuna Muhammad Yakubu, said KanSLAM has succeeded in influencing key decisions in budget allocation in Kano through advocacy to the government and relevant stakeholders.
She explained that the aim of KanSLAM was not to witch hunt anyone but rather to encourage accountability and transparency in the utilization of public funds.
Pharmacist Yakubu hinted that KanSLAM was committed to ensuring transparency and judicious utilization of funds in public sectors, especially healthcare and education.
In his remarks, the Director General of Kano State Private Health Institutions Management Agency (PHIMA) Professor Salisu Ahmed expressed readiness to cooperate with the media to make his agency accountable to the people.
He explained that, PHIMA was always available on any inquiry or clarification from journalists for the overall good of the health sector in Kano state.
Also speaking, the director Kano state the public health department, Dr Imam Wada Bello urged journalists to always cross-check and verify the information before rushing to publish or broadcast.