Sani Yakubu, an All Progressives Congress (APC) representative for Gudu/Tangaza Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has raised serious allegations against the Sokoto state government, accusing it of corruption and financial misconduct under the leadership of Governor Ahmad Aliyu.
Governor Aliyu, also a member of the APC, recently announced a contract worth N1.2 billion for the repair of 25 boreholes in a video that has since gone viral. He further mentioned the approval of a N33 billion project for the construction of the Lugu Dam, which was reported by SaharaReporters.
In the video, Governor Aliyu stated in Hausa, “We have given out a contract for the repair of 25 boreholes at the rate of one billion two hundred million naira (N1,200,000,000). We have also approved the construction of the Lugu Dam at a cost of N33 billion.”
Reacting to this, Yakubu, while addressing his constituents in a separate video, accused the state government of mismanagement and embezzlement. He criticized the administration’s habit of initiating projects that, according to him, are more about lining the pockets of officials than serving the public.
“The government has been dishonest about many issues, and a humongous amount of money is being embezzled,” Yakubu expressed in Hausa. He called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to launch an investigation, stating that only a thorough probe would uncover the truth behind his claims.
Yakubu also decried the influence of godfatherism within the ruling party, saying, “We’ve had enough of this politics of godfatherism and political slavery.”
The situation in Sokoto reflects broader issues affecting several states in the Northwest, where banditry and insecurity have become rampant, exacerbating poverty and instability in the region.
In response to the worsening security situation, SaharaReporters recently noted that Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, has ordered the Chief of Defence Staff and other senior military officials to relocate to Sokoto State. Matawalle himself moved to the Northwest on Tuesday to personally oversee military operations.
This strategic move by the Ministry of Defence, announced by spokesperson Henshaw Ogubike, highlights the government’s intensified efforts to combat insurgency in the region. The decision came after a viral video showed bandits celebrating the capture of a Nigerian military armoured vehicle, sparking public outrage.
Matawalle emphasized that during their stay in the Northwest, they would oversee military operations targeting notorious terrorists, including Bello Turji and his gang. He assured the public that the government is committed to deploying all necessary resources to restore peace and security in the region.
He also urged residents of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces, reaffirming the government’s dedication to protecting lives and property.
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