Following a petition by the APC Akida Forum, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has vowed to probe alleged financial mismanagement under former Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle.
Leading up to Mahmud Mohammed, members of the APC Akida Forum went to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Monday to present the petition, which charges Matawalle with embezzling N528 billion in public funds.
Due to accusations of corruption and poor management, Matawalle’s administration has been under close examination; this petition is the most recent attempt to hold them accountable.
According to the forum, Matawalle borrowed N105 billion while in office in addition to receiving N290 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) and N133 billion from the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC).
Speaking to the protestors, EFCC Spokesman Dele Oyewale promised that the commission would look into any claims of financial and economic crimes and that the chairman will take all appropriate action to resolve these problems.
He claimed that the inquiry is part of a larger effort to combat corruption in Nigeria, which includes several former governors and ministers being investigated for potential financial malfeasance. “EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede would do everything in his ability to probe economic and financial crimes. We have been doing it, and we will continue to do so. I’d also like to underline that the Commission recognises Nigerians’ right to peaceful protest.
This protest is peaceful, and Nigerians have the right to it. “You can be confident that we will convey this message to the Executive Chairman and take the appropriate action,” Oyewale stated.
Members of the APC Akida Forum had earlier voiced optimism that the inquiry would improve accountability and openness in government. Mohammed said, “We implore the EFCC to look into former governor Bello Matawalle’s accounts for over N290 billion in FAAC, N133 billion in JAAC, and the N105 billion loan he took out while serving as governor of Zamfara State.
” We are the socio-political pressure group APC Akida Forum, with our main office located in Kaduna State. On May 3, 2024, we filed a petition at the EFCC headquarters requesting that the commission look into Bello Mohammed Matawalle, the former governor of Zamfara State
“We have often applauded the EFCC leadership’s performance and resilience in fighting corruption without bias.
The commission has demonstrated resolve and persistence in dealing with corrupt officials, particularly by taking swift action against former minister Betta Edu and others.
“The panel has launched investigations into suspected corruption by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. Last Friday, the commission detained former Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku for alleged corruption.
If these past governors and ministers were not above the law and the EFCC, who would hide Zamfara State’s former governor from investigation? “We have gathered evidence and data on Bello Matawalle’s alleged misappropriation of billions of Naira.
He is apparently have to account for roughly N290 billion in FAAC and N133 billion in JAAC payments between 2019 and 2023.He is also expected to explain the N105 billion loan he obtained during his term as governor of Zamfara State.
“These aren’t just claims or assumptions.After our recent visit to the commission’s headquarters, we expected the inquiry to resume, but nothing has transpired. We are certain that the EFCC has access to all relevant information regarding financial crimes in the country.
Nonetheless, we believe it is vital to establish the total monies received by the Zamfara State Government from 2019 to 2023 under Bello Matawalle.
“We are making these efforts because, to our dismay, the former governor came on a live TV program and misled the public by claiming he did not get anything close to N70 billion during his four-year term as Zamfara State governor. The facts contradict Bello Matawalle’s allegations, and the EFCC should probe him to account for the money.
In Essence
The allegations of N528 billion fraud against former Zamfara Governor Bello Matawalle are part of the broader fight against corruption in Nigeria, and they highlight the challenges of transparency and accountability in governance.
The petition by the APC Akida Forum, calling on the EFCC to investigate financial mismanagement during Matawalle’s tenure, is a significant step in addressing concerns over the misuse of public funds.
The forum’s breakdown of funds, including N290 billion from FAAC, N133 billion from JAAC, and a N105 billion loan, suggests a potential misallocation of resources meant for state development.
If these allegations hold, it shows the need for stronger financial oversight at the state level to ensure public funds are properly utilized for the benefit of citizens.
