KEEP YOUR PROMISE TO PROBE MATAWALLE – GROUP TELLS EFCC
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By Oduola F.A
The Zamfara Anti-Corruption and Security Watchdog has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to honour its commitment by investigating corruption allegations leveled against the administration of former Governor Bello Matawalle.
The group voiced concern over the EFCC’s delay in acting on petitions outlining the alleged misappropriation of more than ₦250 billion during Matawalle’s tenure between 2019 and 2023.
In a statement by Comrade Bello Garba Gusau, Chairman of the Zamfara Anti-Corruption and Security Watchdog, the group warned that selective investigations by the EFCC could undermine Nigeria’s fight against corruption. The statement referenced a report by the Zamfara State Transition Committee, headed by former Inspector General of Police MD Abubakar, which uncovered massive financial irregularities, including unexecuted projects worth billions of naira.
“The transition report revealed that over ₦250 billion of state funds were either misappropriated or misapplied by Matawalle’s government. A forensic investigation by the EFCC will clear the air on how this huge fund was deployed or misused,” the statement read.
The report highlighted abandoned projects such as the Gusau International Cargo Airport, 14 Local Government Lodges, renovations of the Zamfara State Government House, and road constructions across the state. Despite funds being released for these projects, they were either incomplete or non-existent. The group emphasised the need for a forensic investigation to clarify how the funds were utilised.
Several anti-corruption groups have also submitted petitions to the EFCC, urging the commission to investigate the allegations and hold public office holders accountable. The Zamfara watchdog noted that the EFCC has demonstrated commitment in prosecuting other high-profile cases, including those involving former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Betty Edu, former House of Representatives member Mohammed Gudaje Kazaure, and former governors Yahaya Bello, Darius Dickson Ishaku, Willie Obiano, and Theodore Orji.
“If the EFCC could investigate and prosecute these public officers, among others, there is no reason why the former governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, should not be investigated for alleged corrupt practices during his tenure as governor,” the group stated.
The group argued that the EFCC’s inaction on the Matawalle case raises concerns about fairness and impartiality in its anti-corruption efforts. They stressed that no individual, regardless of their status, should be above the law, and called for immediate action to ensure justice and accountability.
“There should be no sacred cows in the fight against corruption. Nobody, no matter how highly placed, should be above the law,” the statement emphasised.
The group urged the EFCC to avoid selective investigations and to act decisively on the allegations against Matawalle.
They vowed to continue advocating for social justice, accountability, and good governance in Zamfara State, emphasising that all eyes are on the EFCC to uphold its mandate and restore public confidence in its operations.
“For now, all eyes are on the EFCC. As an anti-corruption and security watchdog, we will continue to seek social justice, accountability, good governance, and public safety and order in Zamfara State,” the statement declared.
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