A Group by the name ‘Coalition of Plateau Citizens of Conscience for Good Governance and Accountability on Democratic Matters’ has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate financial transactions of Former Governor Simon Lalong, the Local Government Chairmen and Heads of Tertiary Institutions who served during his 8 years tenure in office.
The group made this known during a press conference on Friday 10th May 2024 in Abuja the Nigerian Capital. Reading the text on behalf of the group, Ambassador Yerima Bitrus said that they had embarked on a crucial mission In support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration fight against corruption.
The group alleged financial impropriety during that eight-year tenure of the former Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong, while demanding accountability.
The group alleged misappropriation of funds, such as:
“1.The 50 billion Legacy Projects which was abandoned by the Lalong Administration and currently in Court with the contractors.”
“2. The Missing 17 Billion Naira Which was deducted from Civil servants salaries as PAYE Taxt from 2015-2023”
“3. The Missing 400 tractors which were commissioned by former President Muhammad Buhari on the 9th March 2018.”
“4. That former Governor Lalong Shou account For the Billions of Naira allegedly borrowed as loan from a Bank for the Construction Of the British American Flyover when available information on ground revealed that the contract was later paid with the state IGR from the Plateau Board of Internal Revenue.”
“5. The 2 billion Naira naira deducted from the LG accounts for the Local Government election of 9th October, in 2021, without approval and was not even captured in the budget.”
“6. The Billions of Naira allegedly borrowed for the installation of street light from Plateau specialist hospital that have now stopped just after Government House Little Rayfield when in reality the work/contract goes beyond that area.”
“7. More to it, is the alleged Missing of 1 Billion Naira approved by the Plateau 9th Assembly for the completion of the Zaria Road Stadium now abandoned.”
“8. Furthermore, is the 2 Billion Naira allegedly borrowed for the demolition of the Jos main market?
This and many more are the issues that the coalition is raising and there by drawing the attention of the EFCC to it.”
The coalition noted that their primary objective is to ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility in governance, particularly concerning the utilization of public funds.
“We firmly assert that the former governor must be held accountable for alleged financial misdeeds that occurred during his time in office.”
The group also extended their call on the EFCC to also investigate the immediate past heads of Tertiary Institutions and the Transition Committee and Elected Local Given Chairmen who served under the last administration and were suspended for alleged financial misappropriation, as well as any person found wanting.
“The coalition extends its scrutiny not only to the former Governor Lalong, but also to other stakeholders such as the Heads of Plateau State Tertiary Institutions during the last tenure of Former Governor Lalong, the 17 Local Government Chairmen during the last Tenure of former Governor Lalong who were suspended by the Plateau State 9th House of Assembly for Financial Misappropriation and any other person who may have engaged in illicit financial practices during the previous administration.”
“Central to our demands, is the involvement of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), an institution mandated by law to investigate and prosecute cases of financial malfeasance.”
“The coalition views EFCC’s intervention as a crucial step in curbing corruption and stabilizing Nigeria’s economy. We emphasize the importance of recovering any misappropriated or siphoned funds to restore trust and financial integrity.” the said.
They added that their call for EFCC’s involvement is part of a broader effort to uphold ethical governance standards and foster public confidence in leadership.
The group said the call was not aimed at targeting anyone but to set the records straight and enthrone accountability in governance.
“It is important to note, that the demand for Eight (8) years stewardship of former Governor Lalong, is not to antagonize anybody but to put the record straight for accountability and transparency towards ensuring good Governance, just as it was done to Senator Jonah Jang and senator Joshua Dariye, who were all former Governors of Plateau State.”
“By advocating for accountability and transparency, the Coalition of Plateau Citizens Of Conscience For Good Governance and Accountability on Democratic Matters demonstrates a commitment to promoting good Governance and safeguarding the interests of the citizens.”
“Our plea for EFCC’s intervention reflects a collective desire for a corruption-free society and a sustainable economic environment.”
The group called on every citizens to support the current administration’s fight against Corruption and develop democracy
“…the coalition aims to contribute significantly to the ongoing national campaign against corruption while ensuring that past financial irregularities are thoroughly investigated and addressed.”
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