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Former Ebonyi State Gov Martin Elechi
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The Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opened investigations into alleged
financial fraud against former governor of Ebonyi State, Martin Elechi and some
former officials of Kano and Katsina state governments. Elechi submitted himself at the head offices of the
anti-graft agency in Abuja in response to its invitation. Commission spokesman Wilson Uwujaren confirmed the ex-governor was
quizzed by operatives.
Daily Trust learnt that Elechi spent hours answering questions on how state funds were spent.
Daily Trust learnt that Elechi spent hours answering questions on how state funds were spent.
Daily Trust report continues:
Allegations against the former governor are said to include theft of millions of naira in the asphalt contract for the 13 local governments.
Allegations against the former governor are said to include theft of millions of naira in the asphalt contract for the 13 local governments.
The contract which was allegedly awarded to the son
of the former governor Elechi Nnanna Elechi, was only executed in six out of
the13 local governments despite payment of funds.
Our correspondent gathered that the former governor is also questioned over misappropriation of funds earmarked for the centenary celebration.
Our correspondent gathered that the former governor is also questioned over misappropriation of funds earmarked for the centenary celebration.
He was also said to have been quizzed on deductions
made from the stabilization fund account which accounted for one-third of the
state revenue.
The anti-graft agency also invited and interrogated
the permanent Secretary Ministry of Works, Accountant General; Commissioner for
Finance and Commissioner for Local government and Chieftaincy Matters.
Kano
Daily Trust also gathered that the Accountant General of Kano state was interrogated by EFCC agents in Abuja yesterday.
Daily Trust also gathered that the Accountant General of Kano state was interrogated by EFCC agents in Abuja yesterday.
Sources told Daily Trust he was invited in
connection with a petition against the former governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso by
pensioners.
The pensioners demanded that Kwankwaso be invited
to answer for about N2 billion pensioners trust money.
The pensioners also alleged that the accountant
general should be made to answer for withholding about N10 billion belonging to
the state pensioners.
Shema’s key
officials quizzed
The EFCC has also begun investigations into the
activities of former Katsina state Governor Ibrahim Shema.
Sources said some key officials of the state were
to appear before the commission today over questionable financial dealings
between 2011-2015.
The officials include the Accountant General,
Permanent Secretaries ministry of works as well as agriculture and the Managing
Director of the state Road Maintenance Agency.
Their invitation letters seen by Daily Trust in Katsina said the officials were being invited in relation ‘to a case in which the need to obtain certain clarification from them became imperative’.
The officials according to the documents are to come along with all allocations made to the state and local governments from the federation account from 2011-2015.
Their invitation letters seen by Daily Trust in Katsina said the officials were being invited in relation ‘to a case in which the need to obtain certain clarification from them became imperative’.
The officials according to the documents are to come along with all allocations made to the state and local governments from the federation account from 2011-2015.
Others are fund releases made to the road
maintenance agency, ministry of works, housing, transportation, agriculture and
sports from 2011-2015 as well as statutory budget of the state within the
period.
All contracts awarded from 2011-2015, yearly budget
of the same period, actual fund releases to the ministries and agencies and actual
expenditure from 2011-2015, are also expected to be provided by the officials.
It would be recalled that in 2013, the general
manager of the state housing authority was equally invited for allegedly
obtaining money under false pretence, and fraud. The officer in charge was
asked to come along with all relevant documentation regarding land allocated to
the state by FCDA.
When contacted, the EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren said he was not aware if the officials visited the EFCC office in Abuja for any clarifications on financial dealings in the state.
However, sources at the commission told our correspondent in confidence that some local government chairmen in Katsina state have started coming to the EFCC headquarters to answer questions over ongoing financial crimes investigations.
When contacted, the EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren said he was not aware if the officials visited the EFCC office in Abuja for any clarifications on financial dealings in the state.
However, sources at the commission told our correspondent in confidence that some local government chairmen in Katsina state have started coming to the EFCC headquarters to answer questions over ongoing financial crimes investigations.
The sources said the other state officials may
arrive later to make clarifications or give details on certain financial
dealings.
Former
Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido is also expected to honour invitation of the
anti-graft agency tomorrow.
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