The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made staggering allegations that suggest no fewer than 58 former governors of Nigeria have been involved in looting, embezzlement, laundering, or misappropriating a sum totaling N2.187 trillion over a span of 25 years. These revelations were disclosed by the EFCC, excluding seized properties across the globe and other assets under probe, which purportedly amount to billions of Naira.
The alleged N2.2 trillion looting spree, as per EFCC’s claims, is equivalent to the entire budget of Lagos State for the year 2024, which stands at N2.25 trillion. Moreover, it surpasses the combined budget of the South-East states for 2024, totaling N2.29 trillion. The sum is also notably higher than the 2024 budgets of the North-Central states and North-East states, which amount to N1.89 trillion and N1.60 trillion, respectively.
According to EFCC’s assertions, the 58 former governors under scrutiny hail from various regions across the country. Since Nigeria’s transition to civilian governance on May 29, 1999, a total of 170 individuals have served as governors across the 36 states of the nation.
The breakdown of governors per state reveals significant variations. For instance, Abia State has seen four governors, including Orji Uzor Kalu, Theodore Orji, Okezie Ikpeazu, and Alex Otti. In contrast, Ekiti State, despite its relatively low population, has witnessed a higher turnover, with eight individuals assuming the governorship.
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The EFCC has specifically pointed out 58 former governors who have faced or are currently facing allegations of financial misconduct. Notable among these are figures such as former Bayelsa State governor DSP Alamieyeseigha, late Edo State governor Chief Lucky Igbinedion, and former Plateau State governor Joshua Dariye, who have been convicted of various offenses related to fraud.
Remarkably, despite the EFCC’s significant efforts in prosecuting corruption cases, particularly between 2020 and 2022, wherein it secured a total of 6,981 convictions, no former governor has been among those convicted. This absence of ex-governors among the convicted individuals has raised questions about the effectiveness of the anti-graft agency’s pursuit of justice in high-profile corruption cases.
The EFCC’s claims also outline a list of former governors allegedly involved in financial malfeasance, with purported amounts attached to each individual. However, some of these allegations remain hazy, lacking detailed information or specific figures.
In response to these allegations, some former governors have vehemently denied any wrongdoing, decrying what they perceive as political witch-hunts orchestrated by the EFCC. Nonetheless, the anti-graft agency has reiterated its commitment to revisiting and pursuing cases against indicted individuals, signaling its determination to hold accountable those implicated in corruption scandals.
Source: VanguardNGR