Bauchi Govt Questions EFCC’s Motives Behind Accountant General’s Arrest

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Bauchi State Government has expressed shock and concern over the recent arrest of its Accountant General, Sirajo Jaja, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja.

The arrest occurred while Jaja was attending the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting, an official duty that was unexpectedly interrupted by the anti-corruption agency.

According to Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Bauchi State Governor, the EFCC’s actions were taken despite being aware of an ongoing investigation into financial mismanagement by the Bauchi State Anti-Corruption Agency.

The EFCC’s actions were taken despite being aware of an ongoing investigation into financial mismanagement by the Bauchi State Anti-Corruption Agency

This investigation has already led to significant developments, including the removal of the immediate former Accountant General and several permanent secretaries.

The state government has raised concerns about the timing and manner of the arrest, questioning the true intentions of the EFCC. Gidado stated that the EFCC’s conduct has created unnecessary drama and suspicion, with many Nigerians viewing the arrest as a political witch-hunt rather than a genuine anti-corruption effort.

The Bauchi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and good governance, emphasizing its expectations of fairness and due process in the handling of the case. The government has promised to cooperate with the EFCC in the course of its investigation, while expecting reciprocity in fairness and justice.