Former governors Gbenga Daniel, Adebayo Alao-Akala and Aliyu Akwe-Doma were last week arrested by the operatives of the anti-graft agency. The three former state executives were alleged to have mismanaged a sum of N101 billion while in office.
The agency also declared Goje wanted for allegedly diverting the sum of N52 billion belonging to the state.
But reacting to a statement by the EFCC that he was evading arrest, Goje, speaking through one of his aides, Malam Yahaya Mohammed said: “I was out of the country when I learnt that the EFCC had declared me wanted; there was no justification for its action.
As former governor who served this nation for eight years and currently Senator of the Federal Repubic of Nigeria, I am ever ready to defend my action at all time.
“The allegation of corruption against me cannot stand. All financial resources entrusted in my care as governor of Gombe State were judiciously used. The records are there for everybody to access.” He added that with little financial resources allocated to the state and the several capital projects he carried out for eight years, it was illogical for anybody to have accused him of diverting N52 billion. The former governor said he was very hopeful that he would be vindicated at the end of the day. He said, “This is the price you pay for leadership in a country like our nation where all public officials are seen as corrupt people. I have no regret for serving this nation.
“I will appear before the EFCC on Monday. I am ready to answer all questions about the purported corrupt practices.” Three former governors, Otunba Gbenga Daniel (Ogun State), Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo State) and Alhaji Aliyu Doma (Nasarawa State), who were arrested on Thursday by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), are likely to be arraigned today in their state capitals, Abeokuta, Ibadan, and Lafia respectively.
Although the exact charges against them could not be ascertained as at press time, sources close to the anti-graft agency hinted Daily Sun, that each of them might face over 25-count charges for allegedly misappropriating a total sum of N101billion during their tenure in office. It was further gathered that contrary to earlier arrangements, the decision to file charges against them in the headquarters of their respective states of origin was taken by authorities of the EFCC to ease pressure on the Federal Government.
The three ex-governors, who were elected into office on the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party [PDP], would be arraigned at the Federal and State High Courts in their state capitals.
Specifically, it was learnt that the charges against them which bordered on moneylaundering, would be filed at the Federal High Courts while they are expected to face trial for alleged stealing and other related offences at the State High Courts. Daniel, who was arrested in Lagos in the early hours of Thursday, is expected to give account of how he expended a sum of N58billion being funds allegedly meant for various projects in Ogun State, just as Akala would explain how he mismanaged a sum of N25 billion in Oyo State.
In the same vein, ex-governor Doma, who was also arrested in Lafia, the state capital, is being held for allegedly misappropriating the sum of N18 billion during his four-year tenure. While Daniel held sway in Ogun State for a two-term period of eight years, Akala and Doma presided over affairs in Oyo and Nasarawa states respectively for a single tenure of four years each. Dependable sources said seven choice properties which were allegedly purchased by his cronies, have been traced to ex-governor Doma.
Besides the seven properties traced to Doma, a property in London had also been traced to Daniel. However, he was alleged to have recently sold the property and stashed the proceeds in China. Operatives of the EFCC were still conducting checks on the property allegedly owned by the arrested former governors as at yesterday.
Other allegations against Daniel, according to sources, included the diversion of about N12 billion revenue of the Ogun State Bureau of Lands, as well as authorising payment of N300 million electricity utility charges by the state Electricity Project Agency, despite direct deduction of same from different ministries, departments and agencies.
Daniel, Akala and Doma were being held by the EFCC in Abuja as at press time, but Daily Sun learnt that they would be moved to their respective states this morning for arraignment. He is accused of recklessly obtaining a loan facility amounting to 37.9billion from 27 banks with a repayment plan that would terminate by 2015.
Goje, who has been placed on the watch-list within local and international security circles, had, however, through his counsel, offered to report to the EFCC today. Not convinced, apparently resulting from the hide-and-seek game he had reportedly played with operatives of the commission who had been on his trail, Goje was declared wanted three days ago.
When contacted on the developments, EFCC spokesman, Femi Babafemi, confirmed that former governors Akala, Daniel and Doma might be arraigned in their respective states today, but declined further comments.
SUN
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