* Accountant General's Arrest Sensationalised, Politicised, Says Bauchi Gov't By Khalid Idris Doya The Bauchi State ...
* Accountant General's Arrest Sensationalised, Politicised, Says Bauchi Gov't
By Khalid Idris Doya
The Bauchi State Government has assured that it will explore all constitutional and legal avenues to ensure its officials are not unfairly targeted or treated unjustly.
The government expressed surprise over the arrest of the Accountant General of the State Alhaji Sirajo Mohammed Jaja by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja while the official was attending the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting.
It could be recall that Bauchi's accountant general, Sirajo Jaja was arrested on Wednesday in Abuja alongside Aliyu Abubakar of Jasfad Resources Enterprise, an unlicensed bureau de change (BDC) operator and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, a Point of Sale (PoS) operator in connection with investigations of money laundering, diversion of public funds and missapropriation to the tune of N70 billion.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, acknowledged the EFCC’s responsibility to investigate financial management matters.
The Bauchi State Government emphasised that this particular case was already under active investigation by the Bauchi State Anti-Corruption Agency.
Gidado said the agency, led by DIG Sani Mohammed (rtd), a respected veteran of the EFCC, had already taken significant actions, including the removal, arrest, and ongoing investigation of the immediate former Accountant General and several permanent secretaries.
The statement raised concerns about the conduct of the EFCC, describing the arrest as sensationalised and politicised.
“The sensationalism, politicization, 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 timing and manner of the arrest cast doubt on the real intention behind it,” the statement read.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, the Bauchi State Government highlighted its reputation as one of the most transparent administrations in public financial management.
“Our administration has been independently ranked among the most transparent in public financial management. We conduct government business fairly and in full compliance with established regulations. Our track record speaks for itself, and we remain resolute in upholding good governance.”
While pledging cooperation with the EFCC’s investigation, the government called for fairness and due process.
"No state official should be subjected to arbitrary treatment that undermines their dignity and due process. The state government will explore all constitutional and legal avenues to ensure that its officials are not unfairly targeted or treated unjustly.”
The statement concluded by emphasizing that the fight against corruption should not be reduced to theatrics or political maneuvering.
“Fighting corruption must be guided by the principles of fairness, objectivity, and the rule of law. Bauchi State will continue to stand for justice, transparency, and integrity in governance, and we urge all relevant institutions to do the same," the statement concluded.
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