- Sets Up N1bn Foundation for Restitution
By Abiola Olawale
A former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, has announced the unveiling of his foundation, “Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa Foundation” with an initial capital of N1 billion naira as restitution for unknowningly and knowingly committing infractions during his tenure as governor.
Bafarawa, a former presidential aspirant, made this known during a launching ceremony which was held in Sokoto.
According to him, the foundation is part of his effort to give back to the people of the state who allowed him to serve as two-term governor in the state.
Bafarawa who said he has “mixed feelings each time” he looks back to his years as governor, said thoughts of scenarios of misappropriation of funds through acts of omission or commission could be “troubling” and “prick the conscience”.
This situation, he said in his opinion, “calls for restitution”, asking for forgiveness “in whatever area I fell short of the people’s expectations.”
He stated: “A little over 25 years ago, an overwhelming majority of the voting population of Sokoto State gave me their mandate to serve them as their first executive governor after the locust years of military incursion into politics.
“Four years after, they renewed the mandate by electing me into office for a second term. I did not and do not take this show of love by the people for granted. I appreciate very much the historic opportunity they gave me to serve them as governor for eight years. The trust and confidence that the people had for me made this possible.
“In the years that I served as governor, I did my utmost best to ensure that dividends of democracy were delivered to the people. My government recorded infrastructural landmarks, particularly in the area of road construction. I ensured that the resources of the state were prudently managed.
“It was against this background that I left a whopping N13 billion in the coffers of Sokoto State Government by the time I left office in 2007.
“I must confess that I entertain some mixed feelings each time I look back to my years as governor. While acknowledging the people’s love and solidarity, I feel that I can do more in the area of giving back to the people.
“As the executive governor of Sokoto State, I was entrusted with the resources of the people.
“Given the enormous powers of an executive governor, the temptation to transgress is always there. It is, therefore, possible that one may have taken one action or the other that did not serve the best interest of the general public.
“In other words, one could, through acts of omission or commission, misappropriate funds that could have gone into productive and rewarding ventures. Thoughts of scenarios such as this could be troubling.
“They prick the conscience. This situation, in my opinion, calls for restitution. I feel the urge to reconnect in some other ways with the people for a lost opportunity. I consider this necessary for one to make peace not only with the people but also with the Almighty.
“This latent sense of missed opportunity is what drives my giving back philosophy. Regardless of whatever effort that I may have made to improve the lot of the people while in office, the fact remains that I, just like any other human being, have my drawbacks.
“I may, therefore, not have lived up to everyone’s expectation. Consequently, I seek the face of the people afresh in this regard. I ask for forgiveness, as I have always done, in whatever area I fell short of the people’s expectations.”
Meanwhile, Nigerians have begun to react to the former governor’s statement. Below are some of the reactions curated from social media;
“If corrupt Nigerian politicians can emulate Bafarawa will bring out 1% of their stolen wealth the economy will rebound overnight. Thanks to him.”(@tweetjardon)
“Here’s a man indicted for squandering N4.6bln of security funds on prayers. He’s now helping, probably with part of the loot or its proceeds. More significantly, he & his co-travelers like Dasuki, were shielded by Buhari for 8yrs, and have remained free men.”(@njacoach)
“Giving them back their money. If it was used judiciously 10 years ago, it would have drastically reduced poverty.”(@ojjobalo)
“Nigeria is beyond redemption with the calibres of leaders we’ve been having since independence.”(@Ayo Adebayo)
