ABUJA – The Zamfara Anti-Corruption and Security Watchdog (ZACSW) on Sunday urged the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) not to undermine the fight against corruption in the country. It also called upon the commission to avoid selective investigation of alleged corrupt practices against past and current public officers. In a statement sent to Daily Independent, it said the call became necessary following several petitions to the anti-graft body regarding allegations of misappropriation of funds and abuse of office, against the former state governor, Bello Matawalle. Decrying the lack of tangible actions since the petitions were submitted to the EFCC in 2023, the ZACSW called on the commission to expedite action on the requests “in the interest of justice, probity, accountability and good governance.” The petitions sought the EFCC’s review of the former governor’s time in office from 2019 to 2023. “We are worried that the EFCC is yet to act on the report submitted by Zamfara State Transition Committee set up by Governor Dauda Lawal and headed by the former Inspector General of Police, MD Abubakar which revealed that over ₦250 billion of state funds were either misappropriated or misapplied by Matawalle’s government. “A forensic investigation by EFCC will clear the air on how this huge fund was deployed or misused. The transition report also showed that several elephant projects were awarded, fully paid for but not executed including Gusau International Cargo Airport, 14 Local Government Lodges, renovation / rehabilitation of Zamfara State Government House, construction of the Deputy Governor’s office, Gusau Hotels and Motel, hospitals and road constructions across the state. Most of these projects were abandoned despite adequate funds released” It reminded the EFCC that of similar petitions forwarded to it by several anti-corruption groups, insisting that these petitions are accompanied by “details of funds allocated to the state.” The statement signed by ZACSW chairman, Comrade Bello Garba Gusau, explained that the petitions demanded “thorough investigation” on how the funds “were utilised or misused with a view to holding public office holders accountable which the commission champions.” Continuing it expressed reassurance “that EFCC demonstrated commitment, determination and persistence in addressing allegations of corrupt practices levelled against public officers including the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Betty Edu, former House of Representatives member Mohammed Gudaje Kazaure who was recently arrested by EFCC for receiving gifts from one Mr Eric, a relation of the former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele, in addition to ₦70 million donation from the former CBN governor when fire gutted his house. “A few months ago, Professor Usman Yusuf was arrested by EFCC for awarding a contract of ₦90 million when he was Executive Secretary of National Health Insurance Scheme without following due process. “Currently, former governors Yahaya Bello (Kogi State), Darius Dickson Ishaku (Taraba State), Willie Obiano (Anambra State), Theodore Orji (Abia State), etc are facing EFCC investigations and prosecutions in the discharge of its statutory duties with a view to upholding financial integrity, accountability and probity in public service and governance. These were widely reported in the news media. “If EFCC could investigate and prosecute these public officers, among others, there is no reason why the former governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle should not be investigated for alleged corrupt practices during his tenure as governor. “It is important that Matawalle clears his name over these allegations that have lingered since 2023 he left office as governor of Zamfara State. “There should be no sacred cows in the fight against corruption. Nobody, no matter how highly placed, should be above the law. “The EFCC’s constant response that it will investigate the allegations against Matawalle each time a petition is submitted to its office has become boring as no action is taken. “These allegations should not be swept under the carpet for any reason or for no reason whatsoever. Matawalle should be given the opportunity to clear his name now. It’s in his own interest and in the interest of Zamfara State. “If EFCC becomes selective in its investigation, arrest and prosecution of public officers accused of corrupt practices, the fight against corruption will be defeated. Nigerians expect the commission to be firm and decisive in discharging its duties. “For now, all eyes are on the EFCC! As an anti-corruption and security watchdog, we will continue to seek social justice, accountability, good governance and public safety and order in Zamfara State.”