By Samuel Itsede
The Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission has appealed for calm as it vowed to investigate allegation of N70 billion corruption case against the Minister of State for Defence, Bello
Matawalle during his tenure Governor of Zamfara State.
The EFCC spokesperson,
Dele Oyewale, stated this while
speaking to members of the Tinubu Youth and Women Network who protested against the EFCC’s delay in the probe of Matawalle at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
Oyewale insisted that the
Commission’s investigations into
corruption cases including the
case of Matawalle require thoroughness.
He said the demand of the protesters would be communicated to the commission’s chairman, Ola
Olukoyede, adding that the right
thing would be done concerning
the matter.
Oyewale said: “Investigations
as far as anti-corruption work
is concerned, is not a press-button thing. Investigations have to
be detailed, they have to be thorough, fully integrated and broadbased. You have aired your views, and we will do what we’re supposed to do.
“We’ll convey your message
to the executive chairman. As
you can see, the admin has been
doing marvellously well, and it’ll
do more. Every single thing that
you have addressed in your letter
will be conveyed to the appropriate quarters, and I can assure you
that the right thing will be done.”
The protesters said there were
formally requesting that the EFCC
reopen the probe into the corruption allegations against Matawalle.
Led by Aliyu Yunusa, the group
said its primary focus is to collaborate with the government to
identify and address incidents of
corruption within the system to
ensure transparency and accountability.
“We are committed to working
towards the eradication of corrupt
practices by actively engaging in
efforts to hold those who engage
in corrupt activities accountable.
“Bello Matawalle served as the
Governor of Zamfara State from
2019 to 2023. During his tenure,
there were allegations of mismanagement of public funds and resources.
“It is on record that on May 18,
2023, the EFCC, through its then
Director of Media and Public Affairs, Osita Nwajah, stated that the
EFCC is investigating Governor
Matawalle over allegations of
massive corruption, award of fictitious contracts, and diversion of
over N70 billion.
“As party loyalists, we want
the EFCC to investigate the matter and bring justice to those responsible for the mismanagement of public funds. This will serve as a deterrent to others considering engaging in corrupt practices in public office, especially considering what happened to the humanitarian minister,” the group demanded.
