By Musa Harun
Some Sokoto residents on Tuesday commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday for arresting former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal over alleged fraud of N189 billion.
Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi, an 89-year-old man from Kebbe Local Government Area, said the arrest is the best thing that has happened in recent times.
He described the eight-year Tambuwal administration as a disaster, stating that public funds meant for projects to improve well-being were diverted for selfish interests.
Tambuwal is considered one of the worst governors. The residents want the EFCC to recover their funds and prosecute anyone involved in stealing public funds.
Hajiya Safara’u Umaru of Tangaza Local Government Area called on the EFCC to recover all funds diverted and vehicles stolen by Tambuwal and his close associates.
She alleged that government properties were shared among the political class during the Tambuwal administration.
Musa Tanko, a commercial motorcycle operator in Emir Yahaya Sokoto South Local Government Area, stated that Aminu Waziri Tambuwal’s greatest achievement as Governor was allegedly stealing public funds.
Socioeconomic activities were severely impacted in and around Sokoto during Tambuwal’s eight-year administration.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should recover all funds fraudulently diverted, as well as houses and vehicles stolen by Tambuwal and his close associates.
Moses Okafo, a businessman at Sahara, urged the EFCC to prosecute Tambuwal to serve as a deterrent to others who might consider similar acts.
This call comes after the EFCC arrested Tambuwal over alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals totaling N189 billion during his tenure as governor of Sokoto State.
The EFCC alleges that Tambuwal’s administration diverted nearly N189 billion from state accounts to private individuals.
The diverted funds were allegedly received by individuals including Abubakar Mohammed Barau, Abubakar Bello Gandi, Buba S. Sambo, Kabir Aminu Tafida, Shuabi Mohammed, and the Permanent Secretary of the Sokoto State Government House.
Investigation, The EFCC’s investigation revealed strange transactions in the state’s accounts from January 1, 2015, to August 31, 2021.
Hajiya Aishatu Ibrahim, an operator of a commercial motorcycle in Arkilla, Sokoto, believes Aminu Waziri Tambuwal’s most notable action as Governor was the alleged theft of public funds.
During his eight-year tenure, government activities were severely hampered, with many civil servants reportedly absent from work.
The socioeconomic fabric of Sokoto and its surroundings was significantly impacted. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should prioritize recovering the diverted funds, as well as assets such as houses and vehicles acquired by Tambuwal and his associates through illicit means.
Mr. Gabriel Joseph, a businessman based near the old airport, has called on the EFCC to prosecute Tambuwal to deter others from engaging in similar corrupt practices.
Tambuwal is accused of orchestrating fraudulent cash withdrawals totaling N189 billion during his tenure as Governor of Sokoto State from 2015 to 2023.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is probing Tambuwal for suspicious financial transactions that allegedly violated the Money Laundering (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the EFCC of selective prosecution, claiming the agency targets opposition figures while ignoring those from the ruling party.
This call comes after the EFCC arrested Tambuwal over alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals totaling N189 billion during his tenure as governor of Sokoto State.