I’m open to probe after handing over, says Obaseki 

.Group asks EFCC to arrest, prosecute Ganduje

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has expressed willingness to cooperate with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding his eight-year tenure should they require his presence.

However, a coalition of 51 anti-corruption groups has petitioned EFCC, seeking the immediate arrest and prosecution of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, over how he managed Kano State’s resources as governor between 2015 and 2023.

Speaking in Abuja at the EdoBEST National Results-Sharing Session, an event highlighting his achievements, especially in education, Obaseki emphasised that he was not scared of the anti-graft agency and would gladly submit himself if needed.

He reeled out his achievements during his eight-year stewardship, notable among them, he said, was in the education sector.

His two tenures of eight years as governor will end on November 12, 2024.
Obaseki, who acknowledged the present sufferings of Nigerians, tasked the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) to focus on the plight of Nigerians rather than vendetta, noting that he governed the people of Edo to the best of his ability.

Noting that his opponents were busy generating what he referred to as “unnecessary and silly petitions” against him, he insisted that he was not afraid of the EFCC to which they (opponents) were resorting to embarrass him.

The governor described his opponents in Edo as people who were not only full of bitterness but also full of vendetta and wickedness.
Obaseki described his opponents as “just cruel”, adding: “They are very wicked people and jealous people. They are envious because they cannot show as much of their achievements as we have achieved in the last eight years.

“Why should I have fears? I think what is important is the focus. I came in and ignored the noise and just focused on what I felt was important and, today, you can see the results.”
He said if EFCC wanted to pick him up, he could even hand himself over.
The petition against Ganduje, dated November 4, 2024, and acknowledged by the EFCC on November 7, 2024, outlines numerous allegations of bribery and misappropriation.

Ganduje’s tenure as governor has been marred by accusations of corruption, including a recent fraud charge filed by the Kano State government. The charge alleges that he conspired to divert over N57.43 billion meant for the 44 local councils of Kano, using the funds to acquire luxurious properties locally and internationally.

His administration was also plagued by accusations of cronyism, nepotism and embezzlement.

Specific allegations against Ganduje include orchestrating a scheme to siphon funds through various accounts, converting them into cash and foreign currencies between 2020 and 2023, and multiple counts of criminal conspiracy, breach of trust and misappropriation.

A total of 143 witnesses, including local council cashiers, foreign currency exchange operators and former bank employees, are expected to provide crucial testimony.
In the petition co-signed by the convener, Dr Johnson Nebechi, and spokesperson, Umar Ideresu, the National Anti-Corruption Alliance (NACA) said the allegations warranted immediate investigation and action.

“Ganduje’s history of corruption is well-documented. In 2018, Daily Nigerian published a video allegedly showing him receiving $5 million as a bribe from contractors,” the petition said. “In 2023, the Kano State Public ComEdo State plaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) invited Ganduje for questioning, but he did not honour the invitation. A Kano State High Court also fixed April 17, 2024, for Ganduje’s arraignment on eight counts involving an alleged $413,000 bribe and misappropriation of N1.38 billion.”

“NACA demands that the EFCC take swift action, arresting and prosecuting Ganduje, investigating the alleged diversion of N57.43 billion, and recovering the misappropriated funds.”