Anti-Graft Agency EFCC Must Probe Plateau Ex-Governor, Simon Lalong Over N50billion Projects, Others, Says Civil Society
A civil society group, the Coalition of Plateau Citizens of Conscience for Good Governance and Accountability on Democratic Matters, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the former Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong, and other stakeholders for alleged financial misconduct during Lalong’s tenure from 2015 to 2023. The group’s convener, Yerima Bitrus, made this call during a press conference in Abuja.
The coalition specifically requested the EFCC to probe not only Governor Lalong but also other individuals, including heads of Plateau State tertiary institutions and local government chairmen suspended by the 9th Plateau State House of Assembly for financial mismanagement. The group cited various allegations against Lalong’s administration, including the abandonment of the N50 billion Legacy Projects, the disappearance of N17 billion deducted from civil servants’ salaries as PAYE tax, and the unaccounted-for 400 tractors commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Furthermore, the coalition raised concerns about the alleged misappropriation of funds borrowed for projects such as the construction of the British American flyover and the installation of streetlights, as well as the missing N1 billion allocated for the completion of the Zaria Road Stadium. They emphasized the importance of transparency and fiscal responsibility in governance and urged the EFCC to recover any misused funds to restore public trust.
The group stressed that their demand for accountability was not intended to vilify anyone but to ensure transparency and good governance, similar to previous investigations into former governors Jonah Jang and Joshua Dariye. They highlighted the importance of supporting the current administration’s anti-corruption efforts to uphold democracy and foster a corruption-free society.
In summary, the Coalition of Plateau Citizens of Conscience for Good Governance and Accountability on Democratic Matters is calling for an EFCC investigation into alleged financial misconduct during Simon Bako Lalong’s tenure as Plateau State Governor. Their aim is to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance for the benefit of all citizens.
Sahara Reporters
