The Bauchi State Government has reacted with shock and outrage over the arrest of its Accountant General by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) while he was in Abuja attending the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting.
In a statement signed by Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, the government described the arrest as unnecessary and sensationalized, questioning the motive behind the EFCC’s action.
According to the statement, the matter was already under investigation by the Bauchi State Anti-Corruption Agency, led by retired DIG Sani Mohammed, a former EFCC official known for his integrity in the fight against corruption.
The government emphasized that significant steps had already been taken, including the removal and arrest of the immediate past Accountant General and several permanent secretaries.
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Raising concerns over the timing and manner of the arrest, the state government suggested that it appeared politically motivated rather than a genuine anti-corruption effort. “Fighting corruption should not be reduced to theatrics or political maneuvering but must be guided by fairness, objectivity, and the rule of law,” the statement read.
While reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the Bauchi government insisted that its administration has been recognized for adhering to financial regulations. It expressed a willingness to cooperate with the EFCC but demanded fairness and due process in dealing with its officials.
“We will explore all constitutional and legal avenues to ensure our officials are not unfairly targeted,” the statement added.
