The Sokoto State Government has formally received the report of the judicial commission of inquiry set up to investigate the activities of the immediate past administration of former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
Receiving the report on behalf of the state government, Governor Ahmed Aliyu commended the commission for its diligent, impartial, and evidence-driven work.
He emphasized that the establishment of the commission was not intended as an act of vendetta, nor to settle political scores.
“The purpose of this commission has always been to promote accountability, reinforce good governance, and ensure that every public office holder understands the need for transparency in managing state resources efficiently,” Governor Aliyu said.
Aliyu assured that the state government would carefully review the report and its recommendations, promising to take appropriate actions within the framework of the law.
“We will use the findings to strengthen fiscal discipline, reform public financial processes, and prevent future mismanagement,” he noted.
According to him, a Committee, composed of people of proven integrity, would be assigned to examine the commission’s findings in detail and produce a white paper.
He added that the document is expected to outline the government’s position on each finding, recommend specific actions, and serve as a public record of the state’s response.
“The handover of this report, along with the forthcoming white paper, marks critical steps in ensuring that Sokoto State continues to uphold the principles of accountability and good governance,” Governor Aliyu added.
Providing Clarity and Accountability
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Commission, Justice Mu’azu Pindiga, said the panel conducted its work with the highest degree of professionalism and impartiality.
“We carried out thorough investigations, verified documents, and heard testimonies from officials and stakeholders to ensure that our findings were fair, accurate, and evidence-based,” he stated.
Justice Pindiga further disclosed that the commission’s work revealed allegations of financial mismanagement amounting to over N117 billion during the eight-year tenure of the former administration.
“The panel highlighted breaches of financial regulations, questionable contract awards, and instances of non-compliance with due process in public expenditure, improper sales of government assets and other financial irregularities, all of which were carefully examined and verified by the commission,” he noted.
He emphasized that the commission’s mandate was to provide clarity and accountability, not to target any individual politically.
The Chairman explained that the work involved extensive examination of official records, contracts, and public accounts to ensure that all conclusions were supported by concrete evidences.