A Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Sokoto State Government has uncovered alleged financial irregularities amounting to over N117 billion linked to the administration of former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, according to the panel’s final report.
The report was formally presented to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Tuesday in Sokoto by the commission’s chairman, Justice Mu’azu Pindiga (retd.), who said the findings revealed widespread breaches of financial regulations and procurement procedures.
Justice Pindiga explained that the alleged losses resulted largely from weak financial controls, disregard for procurement laws and what he described as the misuse of executive authority.
“Our findings indicate extensive financial irregularities running into over N117 billion,” Pindiga said.
“These arose mainly from violations of procurement regulations, poor internal controls and abuse of executive powers.”
He, however, stressed that the inquiry was not politically motivated.
“This commission was not established as an instrument of vendetta,” he said. “It was a constitutional responsibility carried out in line with due process.”
Receiving the report, Governor Aliyu praised the panel for what he described as a thorough and unbiased investigation, insisting that the inquiry was driven by governance principles rather than political considerations.
“The establishment of this commission was not to witch-hunt or settle political scores,” the governor said.
“It was a constitutional and civic duty aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and restoring public confidence in government.”
Aliyu explained that the commission was constituted following concerns raised by residents and institutions over the management of state resources inherited from the previous administration, including assets, liabilities and official records.
“Before assuming office, we made a clear promise to uphold transparency and accountability,” he said.
“To honour that promise, it became necessary to subject inherited records and obligations to an independent and structured review.”
Justice Pindiga disclosed that the panel received 31 memoranda from government agencies, organisations and private individuals during the inquiry, while 246 witnesses testified before the commission.
“The assignment was conducted with diligence, fairness and a strong sense of responsibility,” he said. “We operated strictly within our terms of reference.”
According to him, the final report was divided into five sections to ensure clarity, balance and objectivity in its findings and recommendations.
“The structure of the report allowed us to carefully analyse issues and reach conclusions based solely on evidence, not sentiment,” Pindiga added.
Governor Aliyu assured that the report would be subjected to further review through appropriate legal, audit and oversight institutions to ensure compliance with due process.
“The task of the commission was to establish facts, examine records and make evidence-based recommendations,” he said. “This process is guided by the rule of law, not personal interests.”
He expressed confidence that the findings would help strengthen institutional accountability and guide future policy decisions in the state.
“We believe this report will contribute positively to the development of Sokoto State and the protection of our public institutions,” the governor said.
Efforts to obtain a reaction from former Governor Tambuwal were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party in Sokoto State said it would respond after reviewing the contents of the report.
Speaking on behalf of the party, its spokesperson, Hassan Sanyinnawal, said the party would study the document before making any official comment.
“We will present our position once we have examined the full details of the report submitted to the governor,” he said.
