I’m under probe, Niger ex-gov Aliyu admits

After months of speculation, former Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has admitted that he is being investigated by his successor, Governor Abu Sani Bello, for alleged financial impropriety.

The former ‘civil servant’ state chief executive told newsmen yesterday in Abuja that contrary to reports in some quarters, “I am under investigation. For me, it is a normal process of balancing facts on documents with reality on ground,” adding that the inquiry into the financial activities of his administration by the current administration in the state was necessary to keep the records straight.

Aliyu continued: “I did it to my predecessor and that helped in projecting achievements of the government I took over from. It is indeed interesting to intimate that investigations present scorecards and not necessarily what people misunderstand as confirmation of crime committed by past administrations.

“Records are available for vetting and every detail of government activities during my eight years as governor has been documented for scrutiny. I will continue to support his administration to succeed.”

He stressed that his relationship with the incumbent remained cordial, noting that the ongoing probe would not affect the bond. “I will always avail myself anytime he needs my input. All I want is the success of my dear state,” he stated.

While noting that the present economic realities in the country were a challenge to most states, Aliyu admitted that the cash crunch that resulted in the inability of states to pay salaries started even while he was still in office.

“I can understand what my successor is passing through especially on the issue of payment of salaries. When I was finding it difficult to pay workers’ salaries at the close of my administration, not many people saw reasons why I had to take loans to augment what we got from the Federal Government,” he said.