Bauchi Gov’t, Group Fault Arrest Of Accountant General By EFCC
By George Coben, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government has described as surprising the arrest of the state’s Accountant General, Alhaji Mohammed Sirajo Jaja, by the EFCC, in Abuja while attending a statutory Federation Account Allocation Committee, (FAAC), meeting.
In a statement signed by the SA to Governor Bala Mohammed on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, the Government emphasized that the matter for which he was arrested was already under investigation by the Bauchi State Anti-corruption Agency.
It said that the agency headed by retired DIG Sani Mohammed has been actively probing financial misconduct within the state leading to prior actions such as removal, arrest, and investigation of the former Accountant General and several Permanent Secretaries.
The statement criticized the EFCC handling of the situation, describing it as sensationalized, politicized, and potentially a Media trial.
“The EFCC was well aware of the on going state-led investigation, yet it proceeded with the arrest in a manner that created unnecessary drama and suspicion,” the statement stressed.
While acknowledging the EFCC’s authority to investigate financial matters, the Government urged the anti-graft agency to ensure fairness, due process, and respect for the dignity of the individual involved.
“The state Government will explore all constitutional and legal avenues to protect it’s officials from unfair treatment,” the statement declared.
It reaffirmed the state Government’s stance against corruption, emphasizing that the fight against financial misconduct should not be reduced to theatrics or political maneuvering, and called on relevant institutions, including the EFCC, to uphold fairness, objectivity, and the principles of the rule of law.
According to the statement, the arrest of the AG highlights concerns over procedural fairness, potential political interference, and overlapping roles of Federal and State anti-corruption agencies, with the Government pledging to cooperate with the EFCC while ensuring that it’s officials are treated justly in accordance with the law.
In another development, a pro-democracy group, known as Eyes on Democracy, has condemned the arrest of the AG, describing it as a politically motivated attack on Governor Bala Mohammed.
At a press conference at the NUJ Secretariat, Bauchi, the group’s state Chairman, Munir Aska said the arrest was a direct attempt to silence Governor Bala Mohammed for his vocal criticism of the APC-led Federal Government.
“The arrest of the AG is not just disturbing, it is undemocratic. No formal invitation was extended to the official prior to his arrest, further fueling suspicions of a politically charged agenda,” he stated.
Munir called on CSOs, well meaning Nigerians, and the international community to resist any attempts to use the EFCC as a political tool.
“We stand firmly with Governor Bala Mohammed. Any attempt to twist the law to humiliate him or any Bauchi official will be met with strong resistance from the good people of Bauchi State,” the chairman concluded.
