By Ayo Ayodele
Unless there is an intervention, former Soko State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Waziri Tambuwal will soon become a guest of the Economic Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC).
A judicial commission of inquiry set up by the Sokoto State Government has on Tuesday submitted a far-reaching report alleging that over ₦117 billion was misappropriated during his eight year administration citing non-compliance with due process, breaches of extant laws and abuse of office.
The commission, set up by the current Sokoto State Government to review financial activities and governance decisions between 2015 and 2023, reportedly submitted its findings after months of hearings, document reviews, and testimonies from public officials, contractors, and civil servants. The panel was mandated to examine public spending, contract awards, and compliance with procurement laws under the administration of former governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
According to sources familiar with the report, the alleged infractions span multiple ministries, departments, and agencies, with particular attention on contract inflation, questionable payments, and projects said to have been either poorly executed or abandoned despite full disbursement of funds. The commission is also said to have raised concerns over due process violations and the use of special purpose accounts.
While the full contents of the report have not been made public, government officials confirmed that the document has been forwarded to relevant authorities for further action. Anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), are expected to review the findings to determine whether criminal investigations and possible prosecutions should follow.
Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives and a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has not officially responded to the report as of the time of filing this story. However, sources close to him dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, arguing that similar probes in the past failed to establish wrongdoing. They insist that the former governor’s administration operated within the bounds of the law and that any investigation would vindicate him.
The Sokoto State Government, on its part, maintains that the commission’s work was guided by evidence and public interest, not politics. Officials insist that the probe is part of a broader effort to strengthen accountability and ensure prudent management of public resources.
The development has sparked intense political reactions within and beyond Sokoto State, with critics calling for full transparency and prosecution where necessary, while supporters warn against what they describe as the weaponisation of anti-corruption agencies.
As attention now shifts to the EFCC and other relevant bodies, the fate of the former governor will largely depend on whether the allegations in the report translate into formal charges—or are quietly shelved.