N117bn misappropriated under Tambuwal – Probe panel

A Sokoto State Judicial Commission of Inquiry has alleged that more than N117 billion was misappropriated during the administration of former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

The allegation is contained in the report of the commission, submitted on Tuesday to Governor Ahmed Aliyu at the Government House, Sokoto.

The state government had, in July 2023, constituted a committee of inquiry to probe all land allocations and assets sold by the administration of Aminu Tambuwal.

Presenting the report, the chairman of the commission, Justice Mu’azu Abdulkadir Pindiga (rtd.), said the commission reviewed financial records, examined relevant documents, received memoranda from members of the public and heard testimonies from individuals and institutions connected to the period under review.

Justice Pindiga said the commission uncovered cases of alleged misappropriation totalling over N117 billion, adding that its conclusions were based on documentary evidence and testimonies presented during the inquiry.

“All parties were given fair hearing, and the process was guided by the principles of justice, transparency and the rule of law,” he said.

Receiving the report, Governor Aliyu commended the chairman and members of the commission for what he described as a thorough, transparent and painstaking exercise.

He said the commission was not set up as an instrument of vendetta or witch-hunt, but to uncover the truth and safeguard the interests of the state.

The governor announced that a white paper committee would be constituted to study the findings and recommendations of the commission, with a view to taking appropriate action in line with the law and due process.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accountability, transparency and prudent management of public resources.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of the former governor were unsuccessful as his phone line was not reachable at the time of filing this report.

The commission had earlier closed its public hearings on January 16, 2025, after the former governor failed to appear before it despite several adjournments.

Tambuwal was invited to testify on nine memoranda in which his name appeared as the first witness.

Records of the proceedings showed that the former governor, through his counsel, Usman O. Sule, SAN, repeatedly sought adjournments, citing national assignments, including budget defence at the National Assembly.

The lead counsel to the commission, Dr Hassan Liman, SAN, opposed further adjournments, noting that the hearings had been delayed several times to accommodate Tambuwal.

Justice Pindiga eventually rejected the application for further adjournment and closed the public hearings, directing interested witnesses to submit written testimonies within 14 days.

In February 2024, Tambuwal had visited the venue of the commission with his legal team, but the panel was not sitting at the time.

Speaking to journalists afterwards, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives and current Senator representing Sokoto South senatorial district, said his record in public service spoke for itself and reiterated his respect for the rule of law and democratic institutions.

He said, “Our track record of integrity in public service speaks for us, always.

“In leading the younger generation, we must instil in them utmost respect for the rule of law and constituted authorities.

“As citizens, we should realise that no one, no matter how highly placed, should be above the laws of the land, most specifically, the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  This, amongst other things, brings out the beauty in democracy.”

Parties, CSOs react

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the main opposition party in the state, said it would withhold comment until it had studied the contents of the report.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), on its part, dismissed the report as an attempt to smear the image of one of the leading figures in its coalition.

“No right-thinking person will agree with what they have said. It is a calculated attempt to smear the image of one of the national leaders of our coalition,” the ADC state chairman, Bello Keagan, said.

Similarly, the chairman of the coalition of non-governmental organisations in Sokoto State, Comrade Bello Gwadabawa, said civil society groups would state their position after reviewing the report.

The Executive Director of the Community Centre for Development, Ibrahim Adamu Tudun Doki, however, welcomed the probe, saying there had been growing calls for audits of past administrations to strengthen accountability and transparency in governance.

He said the proposed white paper committee should be composed of people of integrity and proven credibility drawn from diverse backgrounds.

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