PDP Calls for EFCC Investigation into Sokoto’s ₦30bn Street Fencing Project

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration over the controversial ₦30 billion street fencing project in Sokoto metropolis. The PDP has labeled the project as reckless and a waste of public funds, calling for an immediate probe into the state government’s financial practices.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the party’s Public Relations Officer, Hassan Sahabi Sanyinawal, the PDP expressed its readiness to undergo any scrutiny regarding the activities of the immediate past administration under Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. The party assured that the former governor, along with his executive council and senior officials, would fully cooperate with any summons from the state’s Commission of Inquiry.

The PDP’s call for an EFCC investigation comes in the wake of a petition by the Sokoto State government to the Commission of Inquiry, alleging the diversion of ₦16.1 billion in shares by the previous administration through the state’s investment company. The commission’s counsel, Amanzi Amanzi, disclosed that proceeds from the sale of government shares between 2018 and 2023 were allegedly unaccounted for.

In response, the PDP criticized what it termed as “financial recklessness” on the part of Governor Aliyu, accusing him of spending billions on unnecessary projects like street fencing, despite the state grappling with severe economic challenges. The party highlighted the recent ₦1.2 billion expenditure on the repair of 25 boreholes as another example of poor financial management.

“The people of Sokoto are still reeling from the ₦1.2 billion spent on borehole repairs, and now the governor has embarked on yet another wasteful project of fencing streets with an outrageous ₦30 billion budget,” the statement read.

The PDP further accused Governor Aliyu of trying to divert attention from his administration’s own shortcomings by leveling false accusations against Senator Tambuwal and his cabinet. The party maintained that Tambuwal’s tenure was the most transparent in the state’s history, with global assessment agencies recognizing his administration’s accountability.

Additionally, the PDP alleged that projects initiated by Governor Aliyu, including repairs to roundabouts and archways in the Sokoto metropolis, lacked proper procurement processes. Contracts were allegedly awarded without the approval of the State Executive Council or any public tender, with the work being carried out by unnamed contractors selected through patronage.

The PDP concluded by demanding that both the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) launch a comprehensive investigation into the ₦30 billion street fencing project, arguing that it is crucial for fairness and justice for the people of Sokoto State.