TrackNigeria –The Human Environment and Development Agenda,
(HEDA Resource Centre ) and the Civil Society Network Against Corruption,
(CSNAC) have dismissed what it described as outrageous the appointment of
Senator Aliyu Matagarakarda Wammakko as the Senate Committee Vice Chairman on
Financial Crimes.
The foremost anti-corruption coalition asked the National Assembly to
immediately replace Wamakko with a credible Senator.
The groups call for the immediate replacement of Senator Wammakko adding that
if this is not done, it leaves the conclusion that the Senate lacks credible
individuals that can handle such a sensitive position.
“We are deeply concerned that a Senator who shoulders a heavy load of
corruption charges has been appointed to lead the National Assembly on issues
pertaining to corruption and other financial crimes. This is ridiculous. It is
unacceptable” the statement signed by HEDA and CSNAC stated in a release
signed on their behalf by Mr Olanrewaju Suraju
HEDA and CSNAC said the selection of Senator Wammakko was an indication that
the National Assembly appears not to consider credibility as an important
weapon in any meaningful fight against corruption or that the Senate Committee
on Financial Crimes is considered a paper tiger established not to fight
corruption but to create perks and privileges of office for certain
individuals.
The coalition said “How do the National Assembly reconcile the contradiction
that a man indicted for serious financial crimes has been asked to lead the
National Assembly in the anti corruption drive? This certainly mocks the
lawmakers and portrays the country in extreme bad light.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had launched investigation
into alleged theft of N15 billion naira belonging to the Sokoto State
Government, the statement said.
Wamakko ruled Sokoto from 2007 to 2015 after which he was elected Senator
representing Sokoto North in the National Assembly. He won reelection in 2019.
There was no immediate reaction from the Senate or Senator
Wamakko himself to the criticism as at the time of filing this story.
