BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto –
The Chairman, Sokoto State Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Justice Mu’azu Pindiga, on Thursday affirmed that the National Organizing Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Hon. Umaru Bature is a reliable honest man with cherished integrity.
Justice Pindiga, who spoke after listing to Umaru Bature’s testimony at the ongoing inquiry into the activities of the former Governor.Aminu Waziri Tambuwal led administration in Sokoto State, submitted that Umaru Bature is honest in his dealings.
Bature, who is witness number 19 in the ongoing inquiry into the activities of the ministry of agriculture and its departments when Tambuwal was the governor, testified before the commission by admitting that a tractor was actually leased out to him from the ministry which he had to fix and use and returned on demand.
According to Umaru Bature, “”While as Commissioner of Water Resources in Sokoto State under the administration of former Governor Aminu Waziri, the then but now late commissioner of Agriculture, Hon. Arzika Tureta asked that those who wish to go into farming should apply for a lease of tractor.
“”I applied for one and was given. Though I had to fix the engine, and bought 4 brand new tyres for the tractor to be good for use”.
Continuing, Umaru Bature said, “”When I left the service of the state government in September, 2021, I sought to return the tractor and I was told to hold on until they request for it by the Store Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture.
“So, I did a full rehabilitation of the tractor again and used this year again. But as I received a memo (summons) from the judicial commission of inquiry on the 23th of September, 2023, I make sure that the tractor was in good shape and returned it back to the store of the Ministry of Agriculture on the 25/09/2023.
“”And on the 26th of September, 2023 a report was raised and sent to me in respect of me returning the tractor and this was followed by another acknowledgement letter in confirmation of receipt of the tractor dated 29th September, 2023 and sent to me by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Giving summary of his testimony, Hon. Bature said he was also called by the ministry to bring the contractor to the venue of the inquiry this morning which he did as well.
The Commission’s chairman, Justice Pindiga asked counsels present if they have objection to the admissibility of the letters presented by Hon. Bature and they all responded that they have none.
Justice Pindiga adjourned further hearing of the commission to the 6th and 7th of October, 2023.
Recall that the Sokoto State Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Governor Ahmed Aliyu led administration is investigating former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and officials of his administration as witnesses to explain their involvement in the alleged sale and auctioning of government assets in the State Ministry of Agriculture.
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