The Coalition for Change and Transparency (CCT) has demanded the immediate resignation of Senator Abdul-Aziz Abubakar Yari from the Senate over what it describes as a blatant breach of public trust in the scandal now known as “Geregu-Gate.”
The group accuses the Zamfara West senator of flagrantly violating Nigeria’s Code of Conduct for public officers by accepting the chairmanship of Geregu Power Plc while holding public office, a move that exemplifies the deepest corruption and self-enrichment plaguing Nigerian politics.
The latest scandal revolves around the sudden acquisition of Geregu Power Plc by the obscure Ma’am Energy, which purchased a controlling 77% stake from Femi Otedola in a deal valued at approximately $750 million.
Ma’am Energy, incorporated just months ago with minimal public footprint—its website vanishing shortly after the announcement—promptly installed Yari as chairman.
This directly violates Section 5 of the Code of Conduct, prohibiting public officers from positions of conflicting personal interest, and Section 6, barring full-time officials from managing private businesses beyond farming.
Comrade Agboola Tunde, spokesperson for the CCT, declared, “Senator Yari’s greedy grab for the Geregu chairmanship is an outrageous insult to Nigerians enduring endless power outages and economic hardship.
“As a full-time senator, he has no business running a multibillion-naira power company—it’s a clear, shameless conflict of interest that turns public office into a personal ATM.
“This man is not serving the people; he’s looting opportunities for himself and his cronies while Zamfara and other parts of the nations wallow in darkness and poverty.”
Tunde added: “Yari’s hands are dripping with the proceeds of illegal gold mining that directly finances banditry and terrorism in the North-West.
“Multiple reports, including seized gold shipments and security analyses, link him to cartels smuggling billions in gold to arm bandits who kidnap, kill, and terrorize innocent citizens.
“By proxy, he’s funding domestic terrorism—betraying his oath, endangering lives, and profiting from bloodshed.
“How can such a man remain in the Senate, pretending to make laws while his alleged networks fuel anarchy?”
Tunde noted, “This Geregu deal stinks of insider corruption: a shadowy new company, family ties rumored in ownership, and a politician with no power sector expertise suddenly helming a national asset.
“Regulators who waved this through must explain themselves—did political connections blind them? Yari must resign now, or the Senate risks being seen as a haven for crooks. We’ll rally the nation until he’s forced out.”
Tunde further demanded, “The Code of Conduct Bureau must launch a comprehensive, unbiased investigation into Yari’s entire asset portfolio, from his governorship to today.
“Publicly declare everything—properties, accounts, deals—no selective probes or hidden files. There can be no cover-up; political protection won’t shield him forever.
“Nigerians demand full transparency to trace any illicit funds funneled into ventures like this.”
The group notes that the latest scandal is not surprising, as Yari’s eight years as governor of Zamfara from 2011 to 2019 were marred by rampant corruption allegations, including massive embezzlement of billions in public funds, inflated contracts, suspicious money movements probed by the EFCC and ICPC, property forfeitures linked to illegal activities, and a surge in banditry fueled by unchecked illegal mining under his watch—leaving the state impoverished, insecure, and underdeveloped while he allegedly amassed unexplained wealth.
Tunde continued, “Yari’s pattern is clear: dodge accountability, exploit connections, and enrich himself at public expense. Geregu-Gate is the breaking point—this terrorist-financing enabler and serial corruptor has no place in the Senate.
“Resign immediately, face justice, and let honest leaders emerge.”
The CCT vows sustained pressure, including petitions and protests, until Yari steps down and faces thorough scrutiny.
