Inquiry: Group cautions agencies against political interference
A group of concern citizens of Sokoto, has urged anti-corruption agencies to be wary of political interference regarding the commission of inquiry’s outcomes that allegedly discovered mismanagement of funds by past government officials.
The group, Sokoto Progressive Vanguards made the call in a statement signed by it’s Chairman, Dr Yusha’u Abdullahi and issued to the newsmen on Friday in Sokoto.
It was recalled that on Feb. 3, this year the Sokoto State Judicial Commission of Inquiry led by Justice Ma’azu Pindiga had submitted it’s report and unraveled about N117 billion allegedly mismanaged by immediate past administration of Gov. Aminu Tambuwal in the state.
The group urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Police and Department State Services (DSS) not to consider any politicians, who were desperate on incriminating former Gov. Tambuwal and his associates.
” The presentation made by the judicial commission of inquiry contained allegations against Tambuwal’s administration, we look forward to adhered transparent legal procedures.
” It was allegedly circulated that present administration join hands with some groups and individuals who nurse political differences with Tambuwal on discrediting Tambuwal stewardship when he was governor.
” The desperation was glaring to the public noticing the propaganda and other unfounded information being circulated to allegedly tarnish the image of immediate past administration of Tambuwal at all cost.
” We notice the procedures from the initial stage of the commission of inquiry sittings which was elongated from two weeks to more than three years and composition of members,” the group said.
According to the group, infractions being investigated should go beyond Tambuwal’s administration as he inherited many issues from the government that came before him.
” We consider the investigation between 2015 to 2023 as undermining the procedure of fair play because it was reported that a petition was pending before EFCC on past governor before Tambuwal.
” We understand that present administration concentrate only on discrediting the good services of Tambuwal rather than doing good projects to the citizens of Sokoto state.
” The issues highlighted desperation, political bitterness and witchunt allegedly using rumours, political slanders and unfounded information to accuse Ex-Gov. Tambuwal and his associates on wrong doings, rather pursuing the interest of state’s development”. The group added.