Nigeria's 17 former governors embezzled at least N350 billion - EFCC

Nigeria's 17 former governors in the country being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC over large scale fraud perpetrated while they held sway embezzled at least N350 billion state funds leaving their people to wallow in poverty. Yet not much progress has been made in the trial of the politicians, whose corruption cases are still pending in

various courts, after the initial charging of the suspects to court.

The former governors being prosecuted include, Orji Kalu, Chimaroke Nnamadi, Attahiru Bafarawa, Adamu Abdullahi, Boni Haruna, Jolly Nyame, Michael Botmang, Saminu Turaki, Joshua Dariye, Ayo Fayose, Danjuma Goje, Akwe Doma, Adebayo Alao-Akala, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Timipre Sylva and Rashidi Ladoja.

Senator chimaraoke nnamani

In a bid to expedite action on making the former governors to face justice, the EFCC has made provision for N284.6 million in this year’s estimates to hire competent and reputable lawyers to pursue the trial of the affected politicians to  logical conclusion.

The Acting Head of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren told newsmen that efforts were being intensified to ensure the early prosecution and conclusion of the cases.

Uwujaren pointed out that it was wrong for the public to hastily conclude that the commission had abandoned the cases, pointing out that criminal cases were not time-barred and that the matters were already before courts of competent jurisdiction.

Some of the former governors are presently Senators with many equally corrupt present governors itching to join them once their tenure expires next year. Those in the Senate include Sen. Ahmed Yerima (accused of being a pedophile and a disgrace to himself and a shame on the nation), Sen Chimaroke Nnamani, Abdulkadir Kure, Turaki and others.

Nigerians are worried that the Senate is quickly becoming the retiring home of expired governors.

Governor Martin Nwancho Elechi of Ebonyi State has caught this latest "virus" in town; just like Governor Gabriel Suswan of Benue State, Akwa Ibom governor, Godswill Akpabio and Abia state governor T A Orji, Elechi is under "intense pressure" to run for Ebonyi Central Senatorial seat in 2015. 

Governor Sullivan Chime has also declared their interest for the Enugu West senatorial seat.

Many expect current  Governors Wamakko, Jang, Aliyu, Dakingari, Imoke, Shema, Nyako and other expiring governors whose constitutional two terms end next year to take a shot at the Senate in 2015. 

Only Anambra Governor Peter Obi whose tenure expires this year has so far clearly stated he will not catch the bug.