By MUSA DONGODADI, Gusau

Avoid selective investigations of former governors, an anti-graft group known as Zamfara Anti-corruption and Security Watchdog based in Zamfara State, sounded a warning to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The group, comprising prominent stakeholders in the state demanded immediate investigation of the current Minister of Defence and immediate past governor of Zamfara state, Bello Matawalle.

The anti-graft group made their position public on Sunday in a press release issued by its chairman, Comrade Bello Garba Gusau (Dandutsin Gabas) and shared with journalists.

The Anti-corruption and Security Watchdog while frowning at EFCC’s delay in commencing probe into the minister’s alleged corruption based on multiple petitions, urged the Commission to take urgent action to treat “the alleged mismanagement of over ?250 billion in state funds”, stressing that “glaring evidence of corrupt practices during the tenure of Matawalle as Zamfara state governor between 2019 and 2023” should be probed and handled as an emergence in the interest of the state.

Furthermore, the Zamfara state-based anti-corruption group reminded the EFCC of petitions on related allegations submitted to the Commission against the minister since 2023.

It emphasized, ““All eyes are on the EFCC now”.

According to the chairman of the group, “Several anti-corruption groups and individuals have submitted petitions since 2023 detailing how public funds were misappropriated or misapplied under Matawalle’s administration,” the group stated. “The EFCC has continually made vague promises to investigate, but nothing tangible has been done. This is unacceptable and undermines the entire anti-corruption effort in Nigeria.”

The chairman warns, “Nigerians are watching closely. If the EFCC fails to act, it will be seen as complicit in protecting certain individuals. We expect fairness, firmness, and consistency in its operations”.

To back its claims, the anti-corruption Watchdog referred to a transition report by the Zamfara State Government under Governor Dauda Lawal, which was headed by former Inspector General of Police, MD Abubakar.

The report allegedly uncovers widespread financial misconduct and abandoned high-cost projects, including the Gusau International Cargo Airport, local government lodges, and the rehabilitation of the Government House.

“These projects were fully paid for yet abandoned. This includes the construction of the Deputy Governor’s office, Gusau Hotels and Motel, hospitals, and road networks across the state. The EFCC must initiate a forensic investigation to determine how the funds were spent,” the statement said.

The anti-corruption Watchdog also referred the EFCC’s active investigations and prosecutions of other prominent former officials as a standard that should apply equally.

They listed former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Betty Edu, former governors Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Darius Ishaku (Taraba), Willie Obiano (Anambra), Theodore Orji (Abia), and others as examples of public officers under scrutiny.

“If the EFCC can investigate and prosecute these high-profile individuals, there is no justification for shielding Matawalle. The principle of justice demands that no one is above the law, regardless of their political position or proximity to power,” the chairman insists.

The group also took issue with EFCC’s perceived lack of urgency, saying, “Each time a petition is submitted, the EFCC claims it will investigate, yet nothing happens. This repetitive promise without action is now boring and erodes public trust in the institution”.

The anti-corruption Watchdog reaffirms its commitment to accountability, transparency and good governance in Zamfara state and vows it will continue to pressure the relevant authorities until justice is served.