Chairman of the Commission, Justice Muazu Pindiga presenting the report to Governor Ahmed Aliyu at the Government House Sokoto
After over two years since its inauguration, the Sokoto State Judicial Commission of Inquiry, on Tuesday, submitted its report, noting that no fewer than One Hundred and Seventeen Billion, Two Hundred and Fifty-Two Million, Two Hundred and Fifty-Two Thousand Naira were lost, based on testimonies. One Hundred and Thirty-Five Million, Two Hundred and Seven Thousand, Ninety-Nine Kobo (₦117,235,207.99) also needed to be accounted for.
The Commission also found several irregularities, misuse of office, and utter disregard for laid-down procedures and bureaucratic processes in the conduct of official functions by political office-holders during the inquiry.
Similarly, findings have been made regarding specific financial manifestations that resulted in a loss to the government and the good people of Sokoto State.
Reading the summary of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry at the Sokoto State Government House, the Chairman of the Commission, Justice Muazu Pindiga, said their findings were made in compliance with the assigned Terms of Reference and in the fear of God.
While noting that the complex nature of the assignment compelled the Commission to seek multiple extensions of time, Justice Pindiga submitted that their responsibility was never to witch-hunt nor to attempt to paint anyone black.
According to Pindiga, the Commission took testimonies from 246 witnesses and received valuables and documents, which were marked as exhibits in accordance with the memoranda under consideration in the course of proceedings.
Continuing, Justice Pindiga said their report is in five parts, with the first part covering the background; the second part covering the inquiry, testimonies, witnesses, and evidence; while the third and fourth parts cover the Commission’s findings on each memorandum and its recommendations for each. The fifth and last part covers the summary and conclusion of the report.
Reacting to the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said that the establishment of the Commission was never an act of vendetta or an attempt to settle political scores, but rather an act of profound constitutional and civil responsibility.
Governor Aliyu, who affirmed that setting up the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to scrutinise how the state was managed between May 29, 2015, and May 29, 2023, became imperative following his promise of transparency and accountability to the people in the interest of good governance.
While assuring that he accepts the Commission’s report with a sense of duty, Governor Ahmed Aliyu assured that he would treat it with the utmost seriousness, while promising to set up a White Paper Committee soonest.
