KANO ANTI-GRAFT AGENCY WITHDRAWS FROM INVESTIGATION INTO ALKEGED RICE PALLIATIVE DIVERSION. (PHOTO).

 Kano Anti-Graft Agency Withdraws from Investigation into Alleged Rice Palliative Diversion

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has withdrawn from investigating the alleged diversion and rebagging of rice palliatives in the state.

At a press briefing in Kano, the Commission's Chairman, Muhyi Magaji, explained that new findings had revealed the rice in question to be the property of a private individual, not the Federal Government or the public.

Magaji stated, "The Commission has determined that the rice belongs to an individual. Since the Federal Government has not made any claim to the rice, we have no choice but to withdraw from the case."

The controversy began when reports surfaced alleging that bags of rice, marked with the President’s image and labeled "Not for sale," were being rebagged and potentially sold in the open market.

Magaji clarified that although the rebagging was done using bags bearing the President’s image and the "Not for sale" inscription, the Commission’s authority had been limited due to proof of private ownership and the lack of an official complaint from the Federal Government.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to transparency but emphasized that it could not proceed beyond its mandate in this instance. The case has sparked public concern, with many questioning the integrity of the rebagging process and the legitimacy of the palliative distribution. The Commission's withdrawal leaves several questions about the rice's intended use and the legality of the rebagging unresolved.