In a bid to enhance the fight against corruption in Katsina State, the Chairman of the Katsina State Anti-Corruption Commission, Justice Lawal Garba (Rtd), has called for stronger collaboration and support from the state's Ministry of Justice. This appeal was made during his recent visit to the Chief Justice of Katsina State, Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar, where he emphasized the importance of the Ministry's role in the Commission's ongoing efforts.

Justice Garba highlighted the unique powers vested in the Ministry of Justice, particularly its authority to take over, continue, or discontinue any criminal case in the state. He noted that this legal leverage is crucial in ensuring that corruption cases are handled effectively, without being derailed by external influences.

"We recognize the power your office holds in taking over criminal cases, and we seek your cooperation in instances where we may need your Ministry to step in. Your advice and support will be invaluable as we navigate the complexities of anti-corruption efforts," Justice Garba stated.

He also expressed his gratitude to the Ministry for providing the Commission with temporary accommodation during its early days, acknowledging the significance of this support as the Commission worked towards establishing its permanent headquarters. Justice Garba invited Justice Danladi Abubakar to visit the new site to assess the progress made so far.

"While we have not yet completed our headquarters, we are making steady progress. Your visit would be greatly appreciated to see firsthand how far we've come," he said.

Justice Garba underscored the importance of the Ministry of Justice as a key player in the state's Executive Council, noting that while other commissioners may not be explicitly mentioned in the constitution, the Ministry of Justice holds a unique and constitutionally recognized position. "Your office is vital to our success in fighting corruption. We need your help, guidance, and advocacy to ensure that our efforts are effective and supported at all levels," he added.

Furthermore, Justice Garba called for the Ministry's assistance in training the Commission's staff, both within and outside the state, and potentially even abroad. He stressed the need for continuous capacity building to keep the Commission's personnel equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle corruption effectively.

In conclusion, Justice Garba expressed his deep appreciation for the Chief Justice's ongoing support and hoped for continued collaboration, particularly in dealing with appeals and challenges that may arise in corruption cases. "We are not asking for cases to be discontinued, as that would signal a failure on our part. Instead, we seek your assistance in navigating the legal challenges that often arise, especially when cases reach the High Court and beyond," he said.

The visit marks a significant step in fostering closer ties between the Katsina State Anti-Corruption Commission and the Ministry of Justice, as both institutions work together to uphold the rule of law and combat corruption in the state.