The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has challenged the governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, to back up his allegation of bribery against the commission’s chairman.
Matawalle claimed that Abdulrasheed Bawa, the head of the EFCC, had asked for a $2 million bribe.
It’s unfair to always place the blame on governors, he said. Governments at all levels have treasuries, not just governors. How does the EFCC chief treat them? Let him demonstrate the proof of those at the federal level to the world since he is claiming to have proof of governors.
“If he leaves office, it will be obvious that he is not an honest person. I have proof that she is guilty. Allow him to leave the office; I guarantee that within 10 seconds, at least 200+ people will arrive with proof of the bribes he received from them. He is aware of his request, which I declined.
He asked me for a $2 million bribe, and I have proof of that. He invited me and gave me the details because he knows the house where we first met. Although he told me governors were visiting his office, I did not. Without supporting evidence, I won’t make this claim.
Prior to his disclosure, Matawalle had called for Bawa’s resignation in a statement on Wednesday, claiming to have evidence of his corrupt behavior.
The EFCC, however, stated on Friday night that it will not get into a “mud fight with a suspect under its investigation for corruption and unconscionable pillage of the resources” in a statement released by spokesman Wilson Uwujaren.
If Matawalle wants to be taken seriously, he needs to do more than just threaten people. He needs to back up his claims with actual proof.
In advance of May 29, according to Uwujaren, the Commission wants to warn the public about the intentions of some allegedly corrupt and politically exposed individuals.
In order to foil these escape plans and bring those responsible to justice, he continued, the Commission was working closely with its international partners.
