Bafarawa, architect of his fate

Opposition writers had engaged in incessant abuse of Governor Wamakko’s administration in whatever unthinkable language. They told the Sokoto public that Bafarawa’s administration left N13 billion in the coffers of the State Government. The ex-governor himself wrote open letters published widely that he left such amount, which exact figure continued to vary dependent on the […]

Opposition writers had engaged in incessant abuse of Governor Wamakko’s administration in whatever unthinkable language. They told the Sokoto public that Bafarawa’s administration left N13 billion in the coffers of the State Government. The ex-governor himself wrote open letters published widely that he left such amount, which exact figure continued to vary dependent on the swing of pen. Opposition writers and the ex-governor had asserted through press publications that he invited anti-graft agencies, particularly the EFCC to verify the accounts of the State but they regretted that no action was taken.

Even while he was governor, there were several persons who had raised objections to some of his approaches to financial management but they were silenced. It was an era of dictatorship which real motive now manifests in of mis-appropriation of public funds.  It has become obvious why eminent Sokoto people were asked to look for their foods elsewhere instead of putting their hopes in what the government should provide.  

Schools were without necessary teaching and learning materials and enrollment dropped significantly. The state witnessed acute shortage of potable water where housewives trekked kilometers to fetch water for domestic use. Civil servants had to drive kilometers to fill jerry cans of water for their families before going to office. Clientele mean of governance was entrenched that mediocrity thrived and those perceived not to fit into the mercantile train were, shoved aside or out-rightly imprisoned.

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), after a thorough investigation that spanned the period the ex-governor, now alleged that public trust was breached; the state finances were allegedly mismanaged; the administration was allegedly involved in money laundering, office abuse and Sokoto State funds allegedly stolen to the tune of N15 billion. The allegations of the anti-graft agency that culminated into the arrest of the ex-governor. The former chairman of the agency, Nuhu Ribadu, had hinted that a good number of the then serving governors would be arrested soon the cover of immunity was stripped off on termination of their tenure which we now know Sokoto State is one of them through the latest revelations.   

The present development has brought to the front burner the controversial issue of the contradictory N13 billion left in the State coffers by the administration. Sokoto State and the Nigerian public were made to understand that such amount was intact in bank vaults. It was later insinuated as shares bought on behalf of Sokoto State citizens. The same shares are now alleged to have been poorly handed by the former governor. It vindicates Governor Wamakko’s denial of inheriting such amount and the citizens of the State and Nigerian people now know the truth. It was a booby trap set for Wamakko which the course of justice can only determine the depth of the pit for Bafarawa in the court process instituted by EFCC against him.  

Bafarawa had attempted to enthrone his own candidate at Lodge Road, Government House, Sokoto – to cover his tracks Wamakko was perceived to be thrift in management of resources was nudged out of that administration. The lid has blown off. The youth were denied basic education and gainful employment through the bastardization of the education system by the previous administration.

Providentially, Governor Wamakko remained unruffled and continues to focus on fulfilling his promises to Sokoto people. Within a very short period of his administration he has surpassed the achievements of his predecessor in all sectors.  He has constructed more roads at reasonable costs, in spite of the global economic meltdown.  

Therefore, it is a false summation by detractors that Governor Wamakko has any hand in the ordeal of Bafarawa under the current accountability quest by the anti corruption agency, EFCC, because on many occasions Bafarawa boasted that he invited them, and if in the process the sword turns inward whose fault?   

Mohammed S. Umar is President, Sokoto Liberal Democrats Media Foundation (SOLID) [email protected]