By Kawaekwune Jeffrey
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration over an alleged N30 billion street fencing project in Sokoto metropolis. The party described the project as reckless and a waste of public funds, urging an immediate probe into the financial practices of the state government.
In a statement signed by its State Public Relations Officer, Hassan Sahabi Sanyinawal, on Wednesday, the PDP said it is ready to face any investigation regarding the activities of the immediate past administration of Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. The party noted that the former governor, along with his executive council and senior officials, were prepared to appear before the Sokoto state’s Commission of Inquiry whenever summoned.
It would be recalled that the Sokoto State government had recently petitioned the State Commission of Inquiry, alleging the diversion of N16.1 billion in shares by the Tambuwal administration through the state’s investment company.
Counsel to the commission, Amanzi Amanzi, revealed that proceeds from the sale of government shares between 2018 and 2023 were allegedly unaccounted for.
However in response, the PDP criticized Governor Aliyu’s administration over what it called “financial recklessness,”citing a N30 billion street fencing project as an example of an inappropriate spending during a period of economic hardship. The party also pointed to a N1.2 billion allegedly spent on repairing 25 boreholes, labeling the expenditures as further evidence of mismanagement under the current governor.
The PDP’s statement read:”The people of Sokoto have not yet recovered from the N1.2 billion spent on repairing 25 boreholes, and now the governor has embarked on another wasteful project of fencing streets with an outrageous budget of N30 billion.”
The PDP accused Aliyu of attempting to divert public attention from his administration’s failings by making false allegations against erstwhile Tambuwal and his cabinet members. The party maintained that the Tambuwal administration was transparent in the utilization of state resources.
Furthermore, the PDP alleged that many of the governor’s current projects, including repairs of roundabouts and archways in the Sokoto metropolis, lack proper procurement procedures. The party claimed that contracts were awarded without State Executive Council approval or public tender and that faceless contractors were selected through patronage.
