Nigerian senator denies report of humiliation in Ghana

By LeadershipNigeria

A one-time senator from Kano State, Colonel Isa Kachako (rtd), has refuted a media report that says he was held in a Ghanian hotel following a misunderstanding between him and the management of the hotel.

Senator Kachako was reacting to a story published in Sunday Independent of September 6, 2009 with the caption, "Senator Held In Ghana, Passport Seized".

He expressed shock and disappointment with the report, saying nothing of that nature happened.

The ex-legislator, who exhibited his travel documents as well as other relevant documents for his mission to Ghana to this reporter, said he was at the country to attend a conference and award presentation ceremony organised by an anti-graft NGO.

He said an organisation, United Action Against Corruption and Injustice (UAACAI) International invited him for the event slated for August 7, 2009.

According to him, the Nigeria 's ministry of foreign affairs directed the High Commissioner in Ghana to provide him with accommodation and feeding while there.

Senator Kachako added that he arrived Accra on the August 6 and left on the 28th, saying he was there as a diplomatic guest and special guest of honour at the anti-corruption event.

He, therefore ,wondered how with all these ,he would descend so low as to commit something wrong.

"I view this as a calculated attempt of character assassination, deceit and misleading. The reporter had requested me to give him money, a request that I refused.

"Therefore, he seized the opportunity of seeing me handing over my passport to the hotel manager to process my exchange request as to conclude that I was held and my passport confiscated," he explained.

He said it is evident from the immigration stamps in his passport that he did not over stay in Ghana as to believe that he was held for any reason.

Senator Kachako, who was decorated with the Incorruptible Icon of Africa (IIA) award at the Ghana meeting, said by his anti-corruption credentials, such under deals would be less expected from him.