From Abdulwahab Muhammad, Bauchi
A group of lawyers under the umbrella of Lawyers for the Cause of Bauchi (LAWBA) has appealed to the Bauchi State Government to probe its former Accountant General, Saidu Abubakar for alleged corrupt practices.
TheNewsZenith reports that LAWBA, through its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Bala Hussaini, at a press briefing, on Saturday, in Bauchi.
Hussainin said LAWBA would advise that the state government invite the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or Independents Corrupt Practices (ICPC) to investigate Abubakar.
Our Correspondent gathered that the government had been investigating Sa’idu through the Bauchi State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission.
After removing him from office, the government reportedly transferred him to the Ministry of Higher Education as Permanent Secretary. The government ordered him arrested thereafter.
The PRO said LAWBA has the responsibility of promoting the rule of law in the state.
It faulted the handling of the case by the Bauchi State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, which he said, was outlawed.
“This is especially true in matters relating to the fight against corruption.
“We always oppose corruption, other financial crimes and breach of the law, under whatever guise.
“LAWBA is taking the pains to address this press briefing about issues that affect our state, especially, the recent arrest, detention and ongoing investigation of Abubakar Sa’idu over allegations of corruption.
“Before now, many citizenry are concerned about questions of the integrity and truth about the standing of Bauchi State when it comes to public expenditure and its financial standing.”
Husseini said that following Abubakar’s detention, many people became interested and hopeful of a successful fight against corruption.
“As lawyers, we have taken time to check through law books and other records about this issue.
“However, we warn that unless the government listens to the words of wisdom and guidance, the whole thing may end up as anything but a fight against corruption,” TheNewsZenith quotes him as saying.
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Husseini said the action so far taken by the government on this issue lacks legal basis. Hence, he added, “the same is dead on arrival as a matter of the law”.
“We call on the state government to urgently refer the case and other similar corruption-related cases to the EFCC and ICPC.”
He said the people have more confidence and trust in federal Institutions than their state counterparts.
In the corruption case in focus, this becomes more compelling, sensible and justifiable as the law that created the so-called Bauchi State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has been invalidated by a court judgment.
“From the facts at our disposal, the crimes could not have been perpetrated by only one person.
“The government owe it a duty to explain to citizens, how only one person could perpetrate the alleged offences alone.
“The rule of law doesn’t encourage selective justice or politically motivated persecution in the name of fighting against corruption.
“For this reason, the government need to explain what exactly is happening. And who, if any, are the other perpetrators in this case and other matters?
“Leaders holding public offices are doing so in trust for the people.
“So, there should be full disclosure on any matter of public interest,” LAWBA PRO said.
Meanwhile, our correspondent contacted the Chairman of the State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission retired DIG Sani Baba, for comment.
But he claimed in a phone conversation that he was not in town at the moment.
Also, the State Commissioner of Information, Usman Garba Danturaki said he didn’t know anything about the matter.
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