Reactions as video emerges of President Buhari praising Gov Ganduje

Some Nigerians have taken to different social media platforms to express their views on President Muhammadu Buhari’s apparent praise of scandal-ridden Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje.

Series of videos recently published widely on different media platforms in Nigeria had shown Ganduje allegedly receiving bribes from a contractor in his state, prompting calls by Nigerians and different organisations in the country for probe.

The Kano State House of Assembly which started a probe into the corruption allegation, had to suspend it following court orders.

Just recently also, the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, when asked if the anti-graft agency is probing the matter, ignored the question.

Prior to the emergence of the president’s comments on Ganduje, earlier reports captured part of the president’s speech in which he stated that the videos had been given to security for vetting after which further action would be taken. The reports also established the context surrounding the president’s comments.

During an interactive session with Nigerians in France, a Kano State student on scholarship in France had copiously praised Ganduje, asking the President to emulate him.

But responding, Buhari was said to have snapped, asking the student if he had seen the videos of Ganduje allegedly receiving bribe in dollars.

“Haven’t you watched the videos of the governor stuffing dollars under his gown?” one of the participants, the Vanguard reported, quoted the president as asking, while also demonstrating how the governor was stuffing the bundles of dollars inside his pocket.

“We gave the videos to security agencies for vetting. And we will surely take action on the matter if he is found guilty,’’ President Buhari was quoted to have said.

On Wednesday, a video clip seen on Channels TV reportedly covered the president’s further comments on Ganduje, which were flattering. Buhari said he believed the Kano State governor had done well.

He specifically lauded Ganduje for completing inherited projects in education and healthcare such that Kano people are now enjoying the benefits. He added that if Ganduje were to be another person, he would not have completed the projects he inherited from his now-estranged predecessor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

“So I complement the governor for doing so much because, he invited me here so I went to Kano. The good project started by Kwankwaso in education and healthcare which is a lot of emphasis that should be made for ordinary Nigerian.

The president also appeared to suggest that Kwankwaso diverted project funds for his unsuccessful presidential bid.

“The majority, the poor Nigerians are…Ganduje completed them. If it were another person, he could have no other ambition that, this is the project he started, he diverted the balance of the money to go and contest for presidency instead of completing. But he (Ganduje) completed the …(projects) and Kano people are enjoying the benefit. I think that it’s very responsible of him. I think he’s done very well,” Buhari said.

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Below are some attacks on Buhari following emergence of the clip featuring his praise of Ganduje, some from known members and apologists of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP):

Babasola Kuti‏ @SKSolaKuti

Hear Africa’s number one corruption fighter when asked his opinion about Kano governor Ganduje who was caught on camera receiving $ bribes I am more disgusted by the crowd that clapped. I expect no better from hypocrite Buhari. Buhari’s integrity is as real as the Santa Claus.

Reno Omokri‏Verified account @renoomokri

Did you read the story planted by the dishonest @NGRPresident that @MBuhari condemned @GovUmarGanduje in Paris? It was a lie. @AsoRock was embarrassed that Buhari, the so called anti corruption fighter, praised #Gandollar the thief in Paris. Watch with your own eyes! #RenosDarts

OKOYE AFAMEFUNA‏ @real_afam

Ganduje is good man because he is Fantastically corrupt..

Somto Onuchukwu‏ @chosensomto

Buhari did not find any Nigerian Media worthy for an interview to address Ganduje issue, he spoke about it Paris; he praised Ganduje and accused Kwankwaso of corruption…. after the damning videos we all saw? The AUDACITY!! Why is Buhari keeping Malice with Nigerians? Why?

God is good‏ @UpdatesItu

He is praising Ganduje for receiving 16-20% kickbacks on every contract. Buhari has gone from failure to total failure and to total mess

Israel Oladipupo Ogunseye‏Verified account @LadiSpeaks

Buhari apparently rates Ganduje very highly – no wonder he turned a deaf hear to his alleged stealing.

King James‏ @vex_dey

I am a staunch and unapologetic @MBuhari and @ProfOsinbajo, I am however very disappointed in their handling of the Ganduje bribery issue. It nullifies whatever claims they have to fighting corruption. It is UNACCEPTABLE!

Quassim isola‏ @kassimisola

It’s buhari’s association with ganduje that’s worrisome despite the fact that he claims he’s fighting kearuftion…. Use your sense sometimes, that’s if you have any at all…

By Ebere Ndukwu …

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