The Bauchi state government has expressed shock over the recent arrest of the state’s Accountant General, Sirajo Jaja, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja.
The government also expressed concern over the manner of the arrest which was carried out while the Accountant General was attending the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting.
The Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Bauchi state governor, Mukhtar Gidado, in a statement, stressed that the EFCC’s actions were taken despite being aware of an ongoing investigation into the financial mismanagement by the Bauchi State Anti-Corruption Agency, which is led by DIG Sani Mohammed (retd.), a distinguished former EFCC officer.
He said the state government highlighted that the investigation had already led to significant developments, including the removal of the immediate former Accountant General and several permanent secretaries.
According to him, the state government also raised concerns about the timing at which the arrest was conducted, raising questions about the true intentions of the EFCC.
“The conduct of the EFCC in this matter raises serious concerns. The sensationalism, politicisation, and media trial surrounding the arrest of a government official who, if invited, would have willingly cooperated with the Commission, have created unnecessary drama and suspicion. Many Nigerians now view this as nothing more than a political witch-hunt rather than a genuine anti-corruption effort,” the statement read in part.
It read further, “We remain steadfast in upholding the rule of law and good governance. The state government will explore all constitutional and legal avenues to ensure fairness and justice for its officials. No state official should be subjected to arbitrary treatment that undermines their dignity and due process.”