Leadership (Abuja)
4 October 2008
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), beamed its searchlight on some local governments in Taraba State when they stormed the state recently.
Alhaji. Ali Sani, who is the chairman of Jalingo local government area of the state confirmed the recent visit of the crime watchdogs to LEADERSHIP WEEKEND yesterday in Jalingo.
He said men of the EFCC visited his council a few weeks ago to seek clarification and verification on some contracts and projects embarked upon by his administration since he assumed office. He said he gave them all the necessary information and documents as requested.
According to him, the visit was allegedly propelled by a petition written against him and sponsored by a politician in the state. He, however, sees this as a mere rumour since he is yet to receive or see the copy of the said petition.
He, however, noted that whatever is the motive behind the visit, he was not in any way intimidated and he has no reason to be afraid since all his projects and achievements are glaring for everybody to see and testify. He is of the view that EFCC is doing its job which he said was commendable.
Asked whether he feels the visit was politically motivated, Ali said, "Although people are speculating that the visit of the EFCC to my council was orchestrated and sponsored by a politician in an attempt to intimidate, frustrate and humiliate me politically, I am not in any way afraid and I am strong politically even more than before. I strongly believe that the present reformed EFCC, under the leadership of Farida will not allow themselves to be used by desperate politicians to intimidate their opponents politically."
Ali Sani, who is also the state chairman of ALGON, said his doors were open to any form of objective investigation and not intimidation, noting that it would go a long way to serve as a challenge to council chairmen who see local government as avenue for looting public funds.
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