EFCC probes Nyako, grills commissioner, LG boss
Daily Trust gathered that operatives of the commission are currently in the state capital, Yola, interrogating top government officials and checking documents related to government’s financial transactions. Sources said they have concentrated on the Ministry for Local Government Affairs being run by Nyako’s close friend Alhaji Abubakar Madawaki, who has been its commissioner since the inception of the regime.
Sources said the commissioner, the permanent secretary in the ministry, the chairman of the Association of Local Governments in Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Mr Felix Tangwami, who is also the chairman of Demsa Local Government Area, and several officials have been invited for questioning by the commission.
“They have been interrogated here, and have been asked to report to EFCC headquarters in Abuja for further questioning,” a source told Daily Trust in Yola yesterday.
Calls made to Mr Tangwami’s mobile telephones did not get through as his two lines appeared to have been switched off. However, when our correspondent contacted the local government affairs’ commissioner for comments, he responded angrily. “Don’t call me on phone; go to the EFCC and get your story,” he shouted and switched off his line.
None of the EFCC operatives agreed to reveal any details on the investigation or even disclose the specific amount of money involved, as one of them insisted that such a revelation could jeopardize their work. Critics of Governor Nyako have been making series of allegations of fraud against his government, claiming that one of his aides had recently been interrogated in Germany over possession of a huge amount of foreign currencies – allegations denied by the governor’s spokesman Maijama’a Adamu.
They also claimed that the governor, who initially campaigned for zoning in the 2011 presidential election, has made a dramatic U-turn to support Jonathan-for-presidency campaign as a ploy to stave off corruption investigations by federal agencies and to secure support for his second term bid.
EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity Femi Babafemi confirmed the arrest of the ALGON boss and the storekeeper, adding that former acting Governor of Adamawa State, James Barka, was also linked with the allegations. Babafemi said investigations so far carried out by the ant-graft Agency confirmed the allegations. In one of the allegations he was said to have used his personal company, Binam Nigeria Limited, to obtain a N55 million contract from the Adamawa State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for the purchase and supply of anti-snake venom. Out of the amount, 70 percent mobilization was said to have been paid into his personal account. Tangwami was also alleged to have used his official position as ALGON chairman to secure another contract valued at N150 million through the same ministry to supply VVF vaccines. After a 70 percent down payment was made, he allegedly withdrew the sum of N20 million and paid into the account of personal assistant of the then State acting Governor, James Barka.