The Concerned Northern Forum (CNF) has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the alleged mismanagement of the federation allocations to Zamfara during the tenure of Bello Matawalle, former governor of the state.
Matawalle was governor of Zamfara from 2019 to 2023.
He lost his reelection bid in the 2023 poll and was subsequently appointed minister of state for defence by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Aliyu Sani, chairman of the group, asked the anti-graft agency to probe the alleged misuse of over N528 billion federation account allocation committee (FAAC), joint account allocation committee (JAAC) and loans collected during Matawalle’s tenure.
Advertisement
“These are not mere allegations or speculations. After our last visit to this commission’s headquarters, we thought the investigation would reopen, but nothing has happened,” Sani said.
“We, the Concerned Northern Forum (CNF), find it crucial to convene for a conference to openly call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to proceed with the corruption case initiated by the commission before the 2023 general election.”
Sani said Matawalle should be investigated like former governors, including Yahaya Bello of Kogi and Darius Ishaku of Taraba, among others.
Advertisement
“If all these former governors and ministers were not above the law and the EFCC, who would shield the former governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle from investigation? He is not a governor now. Who is stopping EFCC from doing its work?,” Sani queried.
Since leaving office as governor, there has been petitions against him over alleged corruption.
In May 2023, the EFCC said it was probing Matawalle for allegedly diverting N70 billion meant for contracts in the state.
Osita Nwajah, EFCC’s director of public affairs at the time, said the sum was allegedly diverted by Matawalle’s “cronies” when he was governor.
Advertisement
“But the real issue with Matawalle is that he is being investigated by the EFCC over allegations of monumental corruption, award of phantom contracts and diversion of over N70 billion,” the EFCC said.
Despite the allegations, Matawalle has not been arraigned in court.
