Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State has accused the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, of demanding a $2 million bribe from him.
This allegation comes amidst the ongoing disagreement between the governor and the anti-graft agency.
On Wednesday, May 17, Governor Matawalle called for Bawa’s resignation, stating that he had questions to answer regarding alleged corruption. In response, the EFCC chairman defended himself on Thursday, asserting that he had nothing to hide and urged the governor to present any evidence he had to the appropriate authorities.
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Governor Matawelle calls for his resignation
On Wednesday, May 17, Governor Matawalle called for Bawa’s resignation, stating that he had questions to answer regarding alleged corruption. In response, the EFCC chairman defended himself on Thursday, asserting that he had nothing to hide and urged the governor to present any evidence he had to the appropriate authorities.
In an interview with BBC Hausa on Friday, the governor emphasized that it was not fair to solely blame governors for corruption, as the federal government also held a treasury. He questioned the actions of the EFCC chairman towards federal officials and called on Bawa to provide evidence against those at the federal level, as he claimed to have evidence against governors.
Reactions: Den of thieves
Let’s have a look at some of the comments.
@Gracaman4life: From the moment the E.F.C.C. chairman said “no one is perfect as human blabla bla…” I knew he was culpable. E.F.C.C. has become a den of thieves and armed robbers.
@ Taycorps: It didn’t become. It was a den of thieves. 😂 how many EFCC operatives raid yahoo boys home and deliver everything they stole. Lol, game consoles, TVs and extra gadgets are their primary trophies
@iamkorbert:This automatically justifies that he actually siphoned public fund. Atleast someone is admitting that he stole public funds for the first time!
@godwille: This is very shameful. The @officialEFCC Chairman has brought his organisation into disrepute. He should be replaced if Buhari has any honour. Though, efcc stinks. It’s a trading place for bribe collection.
Corruption on the rise under Buhari,says Transparency International
In another news, it was stated that Corruption is on the rise in the country as Nigeria is ranked 154 out of 180 countries in the 2021 corruption index.
This was disclosed by Transparenit was stated that Corruptioncy International in its Corruption Perceptions Index 2021 on Tuesday.
“The 2021 Corruption Perceptions Index released by Transparency International today shows corruption is on the increase in Nigeria. In the Corruption Perceptions Index 2021, Nigeria ranks 154 out of 180 countries and territories, falling back five places from the rank of 149 in 2020.”
