Bawa, the chairman of EFCC, begged for $2 million - Gov Matawalle

 

In a recent development, Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara state has made serious allegations against Abdulrasheed Bawa, the chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). According to Matawalle, Bawa personally approached him, requesting a hefty sum of $2 million. These claims have stirred controversy and raised questions about the integrity of the EFCC.

On Wednesday, Governor Matawalle addressed the situation, urging Bawa to ensure that the EFCC's investigations were not solely focused on outgoing governors but also extended to officials within the presidency. This statement indicates Matawalle's concern that the probe may be politically motivated, targeting certain individuals while sparing others.

In response, the EFCC maintained its stance that the governor was under investigation for allegedly diverting N70 billion, which was originally allocated for contracts in Zamfara state. However, during a recent interview with BBC Hausa on Friday, Matawalle vehemently denied these allegations. Instead, he claimed that the investigation was launched against him because he refused to fulfill Bawa's monetary request.

Governor Matawalle clarified that he was not resisting the probe and reiterated his immunity as the serving governor. He emphasized that no official invitation had been extended to him by the EFCC. Matawalle further alleged that the accusations against him were fabricated, and the real motive behind the investigation was Bawa's disappointment over not receiving the requested two million dollars.

Highlighting his side of the story, Matawalle disclosed that he had met with Bawa at a specific location, a house known to both of them. It was during this encounter that Bawa explicitly expressed his desire to meet with the governor and requested the substantial sum of money.

These allegations and counter-allegations have sparked a heated debate and cast a shadow over the credibility of the EFCC. The accusations leveled by Governor Matawalle against Chairperson Bawa have raised concerns about potential corruption within the anti-corruption agency. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the ongoing investigations and the reputation of the EFCC.