A Bauchi-based advocacy group, the Bauchi Citizens for Good Governance, has called upon the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to broaden its ongoing investigation into alleged financial improprieties within the Bauchi State government. The group’s concern stems from allegations of widespread corruption within various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) of the state government, creating a stark contrast with the plight of unpaid retirees and pensioners. The group, through its convener, Comrade Musa Ali, expressed its readiness to fully cooperate with the EFCC in its investigation, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and transparency in the management of public funds. The call for an expanded investigation comes amidst growing concerns over the alleged misappropriation of state resources, raising questions about the source of funding for certain political campaigns, specifically referencing Governor Bala Mohammed’s purported presidential aspirations and the proliferation of posters promoting his candidacy.
The Bauchi Citizens for Good Governance has highlighted several key areas requiring scrutiny by the EFCC. These include the Ministry of Finance, all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) through the Ministry for Local Government, the Ministry of Housing and Environment, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the Ministry of Works, and various construction firms involved in state projects, including those involved in the construction of the Bauchi Government House. Specifically mentioned are Habib Construction Company and K.K Kingdom Construction Company. Furthermore, the group urges the EFCC to investigate all loans acquired by the state government for infrastructure projects, the Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and the State House of Assembly. The ultimate aim is to ensure that all individuals found culpable are prosecuted and that recovered funds are returned to the state treasury.
The group’s call for an extended investigation is underscored by their belief that substantial sums of public funds are being mismanaged. While acknowledging Governor Mohammed’s right to pursue political ambitions, the group insists that taxpayers’ money should not be used to finance such endeavors. The prevalence of Governor Mohammed’s 2027 presidential campaign posters across Bauchi and other cities has fueled suspicions about the source of funding for this campaign, adding to the urgency of a thorough investigation by the EFCC. The group’s statement explicitly questions the origin of the funds being used for the campaign and demands answers from the governor. This concern ties into the broader allegations of corruption within the state government, with the group expressing its lack of surprise at the scale of the alleged misappropriation.
The context of the group’s demand becomes clearer when considering the recent arrest of the state’s Accountant General, Sirajo Jaja, by the EFCC over an alleged N70 billion fraud. This arrest, alongside a Bureau De Change operator and a PoS operator, signaled a significant development in the investigation into money laundering, diversion of public funds, and misappropriation. The Bauchi State Government, through Governor Mohammed’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, acknowledged the arrest but denied Jaja’s involvement. Gidado asserted that the matter was already under investigation by the state’s own anti-corruption agency, headed by a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) and former EFCC veteran, Sani Mohammed. The state government emphasized its commitment to due process and fairness, promising to explore all legal avenues to protect its officials from what it perceived as unjust treatment.
The ongoing saga highlights the tension between the state government and the EFCC, with the former emphasizing its internal investigation and the latter pursuing its independent inquiry. The Bauchi Citizens for Good Governance’s call for an expanded investigation reflects a lack of confidence in the state government’s handling of the situation and emphasizes the need for an external, independent body to ensure thorough accountability. The group’s demand for transparency and its insistence on the prosecution of those found guilty underscore its commitment to ensuring good governance and the prudent management of public resources in Bauchi State. The group’s concerns, coupled with the EFCC’s actions and the state government’s response, paint a complex picture of the challenges facing Bauchi State and the urgent need for transparency and accountability in its governance.
The unfolding situation in Bauchi State calls for a comprehensive and transparent investigation to address the serious allegations of financial impropriety. The call from the Bauchi Citizens for Good Governance for the EFCC to expand its investigation signifies a deep concern regarding the alleged mismanagement of public funds, especially in light of the unmet needs of retirees and pensioners. The governor’s alleged presidential aspirations and the associated campaign expenditures further complicate the matter and raise questions about the propriety of utilizing state resources for personal political ambitions. The ongoing investigation, the diverging narratives between the state government and the EFCC, and the advocacy of citizen groups like the Bauchi Citizens for Good Governance highlight the importance of independent oversight and the pursuit of justice in ensuring responsible governance and protecting the interests of the citizens of Bauchi State.
