Following accusations of financial impropriety to the tune of N70 billion against the immediate-past governor of Zamfara State, Muhammad Bello Matawalle, a group, the Voice of the Voiceless, on Monday, protested at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, demanding his probe and immediate arrest.
Matawalle served as the Zamfara State governor between May 29, 2019 and May 29, 2023.
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The protesters, led by Nasiru Ismaila Doka, urged the EFCC to reopen its earlier investigation into Matawalle’s tenure, which could not be concluded because of the constitutional immunity clause protecting the governor while in office.
In a protest letter it submitted to the EFCC, the group said that, “We the Voice of the Voiceless call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to investigate the former Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Mohammed Matawalle for the alleged misappropriation of public funds.
The call came amid growing concerns about corruption in Nigeria and the need for accountability in public offices. During his tenure, there were allegations of mismanagement of public funds and resources.
The group recalled that on the 18th May 2023, the EFCC, through its director, media and public affairs, Osita Nwajah, said that Matawalle is being investigated by the anti-graft agency, over allegations of monumental corruption, award of phantom contracts and diversion of over N70 billion.
“According to the EFCC, the money which was sourced as a loan from an old generation bank purportedly for the execution of projects across the local government areas of the state, was allegedly diverted by the Governor through proxies and contractors who received payment for contracts that were not executed.
“The commission’s investigations revealed that more than 100 companies received payments from the funds, with no evidence of service rendered to the state.
“Some of the contractors who had been invited and quizzed by the commission made startling revelations on how they were allegedly compelled by the governor to return the funds received from the state coffers back to him through his aides after converting the same to United States Dollars,” the group alleged.
It added that, “the call for investigation into the alleged mismanagement of public funds by Matawale has been growing in recent weeks.
“The people of Zamfara State have expressed their concern over the lack of development in the state and the need for accountability in public offices.
“We urge the EFCC to investigate the matter and bring those responsible for the mismanagement of public funds to justice. This will serve as a deterrence to others who may be considering engaging in corrupt practices in public office.”
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