Zamfara Anti-Corruption and Security Watchdog, a civil society organisation (CSO), has called on Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to immediately investigate the alleged mismanagement of funds during the tenure of Bello Matawalle, former Governor of the state.
Gatekeepers News reports that in recent months, there have been protests urging the EFCC to probe Matawall.
In May 2023, EFCC announced it was investigating him over the alleged diversion of N70 billion meant for state contracts.
In a statement on Sunday, Bello Gusau, chairman of the group, said EFCC must not be seen as engaging in selective investigation of alleged corrupt practices against politicians.
Gusau asked EFCC to probe Matawalle like other former Governors such as Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Darius Ishaku (Taraba), Willie Obiano (Anambra), and Theodore Orji (Abia).
He said, “If 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.”
“It is important that Matawalle clears his name over these allegations that have lingered since 2023, when he left office as governor of Zamfara state.”
He emphasized that investigating Matawalle is vital to promoting justice, transparency, and good governance. He added that the EFCC has yet to act on the transition committee report submitted by the current Governor, Dauda Lawal, which details alleged fund misappropriation during Matawalle’s administration.
Gusau added that several anti-corruption organisations had submitted petitions to the EFCC, outlining allocations received by the state and calling for an audit of their use.
