…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, has made a public accusation against Abdulrasheed Bawa, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), claiming that Bawa requested a $2 million bribe.
This allegation arises amidst a growing conflict between the governor and the anti-corruption agency.
Governor Matawalle had previously called for Bawa’s resignation, stating in a released statement that the EFCC Chairman should face investigation regarding corruption allegations.
In response, Bawa denied these accusations, asserting that he has nothing to hide and urging the governor to submit any incriminating evidence to relevant authorities.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, Governor Matawalle expressed his lack of trust in Bawa and raised concerns about the selective approach of the EFCC.
He questioned why only governors were being targeted while the federal government’s treasury remained unexamined.
The governor challenged Bawa to provide evidence of corruption at the federal level.
Governor Matawalle further claimed to possess evidence against Bawa, stating that the EFCC Chairman had requested a $2 million bribe from him during a meeting held in a specific location.
The governor asserted that he declined the request and emphasized that he would not make such allegations without concrete evidence to support them.
He stated that if Bawa were to step down from his position, numerous individuals would come forward with evidence of bribes they claim to have given to the EFCC Chairman.
The conflict between Governor Matawalle and Chairman Bawa continues to escalate, with the governor maintaining his accusations of bribery and calling for accountability within the EFCC.