Groups Ask EFCC to Probe Past Administrations in Plateau

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

A group of civil society organisations, the Coalition of Plateau Citizens of Conscience for Good Governance and Accountability on Democratic Matters has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the past administrations in Plateau State.

The Convener of the Coalition, Ambassador Yerima Bitrus, made the call on behalf of the groups at a news conference in Abuja on Friday.

He said the coalition was embarking on a crucial mission in support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration fight against corruption.

He said: “We commend and appreciate the leadership and staff of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under President Bola Tinubu’s administration for their efforts in the fight against corruption in our dear nation.

“This coalition’s demands for accountability stems from allegations of financial impropriety that have surfaced.”

Bitrus asked the EFCC to beam its searchlight on the N50 billion legacy projects allegedly abandoned by the immediate past administration and currently in court with the contractors.

He also demanded details of the N17 billion deducted from civil servants salaries as Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax from 2015 to 2023.

The group is also seeking probe of the missing 400 tractors which were inaugurated by former President Muhammad Buhari on the March 9, 2018.

It also asked the EFCC to beam its searchlight on the loan one of the past administrations collected from a bank for the construction of the British American Flyover.

The coalition alleged that available information revealed that the contract was allegedly paid with the state Internally Generated Revenue from the Plateau Board of Internal Revenue.

The group also demanded details of the N2 billion deducted from the local government accounts for the LG election of October 9, 2021, alleging that it was without approval and was not even captured in the budget.

Bitrus added that the EFCC should look into the billions of naira allegedly borrowed for the installation of street lights from Plateau specialist hospital that have now stopped just after Government House Little Rayfield, when in reality, the work/contract goes beyond that area, among others.

He said: “This and many more are the issues that the coalition is raising and thereby drawing the attention of the EFCC to it.

“The coalition’s primary objective is to ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility in governance, particularly concerning the utilization of public funds. 

“The coalition extends its scrutiny  to other stakeholders such as the Heads of Plateau state tertiary institutions.

“Central to our demands, is the involvement of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), an institution mandated by law to investigate and prosecute cases of financial malfeasance. 

“The coalition views EFCC’s intervention as a crucial step in curbing corruption and stabilizing Nigeria’s economy. 

“We emphasize the importance of recovering any misappropriated or siphoned funds to restore trust and financial integrity.

“Our call for EFCC’s involvement is part of a broader effort to uphold ethical governance standards and foster public confidence in leadership. 

“It is important to note that the demand for stewardship of former administrations is not to antagonize anybody but to put the record straight for accountability and transparency towards ensuring good governance.

“By advocating accountability and transparency, the Coalition of Plateau Citizens of Conscience for Good Governance and Accountability on Democratic Matters demonstrates a commitment to promoting good governance and safeguarding the interests of the citizens. 

“Our plea for EFCC’s intervention reflects a collective desire for a corruption-free society and a sustainable economic environment.

“To save our democracy and our country, every citizen must support the current administration’s fight against corruption.

“Through this concerted effort, the coalition aims to contribute significantly to the ongoing national campaign against corruption while ensuring that past financial irregularities are thoroughly investigated and addressed.”