By Habibu Harisu
The former Commissioner of Finance in Sokoto State, Alhaji Abdulsamad Dasuki, says COVID-19 pandemic forced Sokoto State Government to used N1.5 billion investment shares to argument revenue shortfall.
Dasuki, who is a serving member representing Tambuwal/Kebbi federal constituency, stated this in his testimony before the Sokoto State Commission of Inquiry in sokoto.
He said that the state owned investment company possessed a total shares valued at N3 billion as at 2020 as against N16 billion shares alleged in the memorandum submitted.
According to him, due to the global economic meltdown occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic, many states in Nigeria could not be able to pay salaries and lived up to their financial obligations.
However, he said, Sokoto state ensured that salaries and other workers’ entitlements as well as legacy projects were not hindered.
He added the then Sokoto state governor mandated the ministry under his supervision to scout for money to argument the shortfall “hence, the decision of the ministry to request for N2 billion out of which N1.5 billion was realised from investment shares.”
Dasuki, led by his Counsel Abdurahman Tsamiya, said, he was neither among the board members of the investment company nor the overseer, as itt was answerable to government house.
He said all directives were instructed from the government house, adding that the accrued money were remitted to Accountant General’s account.
Dasuki said other information and explanations could be best offered by the Managing Director of the Sokoto Investment Company.
Earlier in his evidence, the State Accountant General, Alhaji Umar Balarabe, tendered memorandum on shares along with transactions in his custody which were admitted as exhibits.
Balarabe said he is the substantive Accountant General from 2015 to date and a board member of the Sokoto Investment Company, adding that he briefed the former Commissioner of Finance on all the state finances, including the investment company.
In his testimony also, the Permanent Secretary, Political Affairs in the Office of Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Malam Yabo, said a firm of experts were engaged to scrutinise the activities.
Yabo, said the memorandum was sequel to the investigation conducted following instructions by the present governor when he assumed office.
He acknowledged that he was not the maker of the documents submitted, which were also admitted as exhibits.
Mr Amanzi Amanzi, Counsel to the commission cross examined the witnesses, saying that the commission had been tasked to investigate the sales of government shares during a specific period.
“In 2018, the Accountant General of the state transferred all government’s shares to Sokoto State Investment Limited through an official letter.
“Between 2018 and 2023, these shares were sold, but the proceeds were allegedly unaccounted for.
“This is why the commission is called upon to investigate the sales and trace the whereabouts of the funds,” he said.
The Commission Chairman, Justice Mu’azu Findiga adjourned the sitting and ordered the secretary to invite more witnesses. (NAN)
