Follow Us on Google
By Edwin Atuche
“Have you heard the latest about the roforofo fight of that governor with the EFCC’s Chair?”
“Which governor, come straight abeg”
“Haa, are you not in Nigeria? The governor that said he was not the only thief, that Bawa is sparing other thieves?”
“Really? That’s interesting. You know I was in the village since last week”.
“He initially said EFCC and Bawa are trying to expose the fat underbellies of governors, leaving members of the Federal Executive Council untouched”
“Oh, you mean he wants the ministers scotched or probed, as you people usually say? But my wife told me a certain minister is in EFCC’s custody.”
“Yes, not a certain minister. He is Sale Mamman, former Minister of Power. He is in the commission’s custody over an alleged N22 billion fraud. There may be others. You know the way EFCC works na.”
“Is the governor not aware of that or what is he saying? By the way, you have not even told me his name. This village trip has made me lose touch with serious happenings lately.”
“Your wife is more informed abeg. Let her tell you the governor’s name. Anyway, his name is Bello Matawalle, Zamfara State Governor.”
“Oh, I see!”
“Let me tell you more about him. The EFCC is investigating him for N70 billion fraud. I heard it is all about contract fraud. Award of spurious contracts involving about 100 companies. My friend in EFCC said the governor mobilised the contractors, with about 60% of contract sums paid, with no evidence of any service or work done.”
“Jesus! And he is still talking? Can you imagine? Can’t the EFCC send him to prison straight?”
“No oooo. EFCC can’t do that na. You are talking like a village man. He has to be arraigned before the court, go through trials and be found guilty before any prison journey.”
“You see, that is my problem with you people. N70 billion? Did he follow protocols to steal the money? Let him just go to jail immediately and cough out the money sharp sharp.”
“The rule of law won’t allow that, James. You went to school na. Don’t allow your anger make you forget that we are in a democracy and EFCC is a law-abiding agency. Matawalle is even saying EFCC’s Chair, Abdulrasheed Bawa, demanded $2 million bribe from him. That he is being persecuted for turning down the request.”
“Ah! $2 million bribe? You see my point now? Let the EFCC bundle him to prison. So, it is now he is finding his voice to tell the public? Even you, Edwin, will soon be accused of bribery for telling me his story. Seriously, the EFCC should do something drastic to address this nonsense from Matawalli or what did you even call his name?”
“He is Matawalle, James. You are getting old fast.”
“Sorry, Matawalle. Seriously, he should be arrested. He is just trying to splash mud on EFCC and Bawa. I wish I had the power to arrest him by myself!”
“You can’t do that even if you had the power. He still has immunity from arrest and prosecution till May 29, 2023, when he will leave office. We are watching what EFCC will do to him after May 29.”
“Let EFCC act fast ooo. You know he is trying to play the victim game now, trying to blackmail the commission and make the anti-graft war seem like a child’s play.”
“Exactly, James. You are talking sense now! You can be brilliant sometimes!”
“You are not serious. It is my village trip that made me lose track with the EFCC. You know I belive strongly in the commission and all its works. Bawa has been incredibly fantastic. We should expect such Matawallession of his efforts.”
“Great! James has woken up ooo! Which one is Matawallession of EFCC’s efforts, abeg?”
“It is deliberate bastardisation of the onerous works of fighting corruption, wilful and desperate wittling of the war through blackmail and counter-attack. It is the latest corruption fight-back strategy.”
“Whoa! Professor James Inorchia! You have rightly defined the matter. I trust the courage of the EFCC. It is not the first time such a challenge would surface. I remember Ibrahim Lamorde, Farida Wazir, Ibrahim Magu were all accused of corruption. It is an old game.”
“Let me tell you the real truth, Edwin. Matawalle is just whipping up sentiments. He is calling a pity party to save his face. We ordinary Nigerians will not allow that. All his co-travellers should be probed by the EFCC. Enough of pillaging of our resources.”
“That is it. Enough is enough. Bawa should not allow anyone to weary him. I’m happy James has rightly defined the whole scenario. We will not allow the Matawallession of the anti-graft war!”
•Atuche is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja
