By Ado Hassan, Sokoto
Following alleged farfistic , anihilistic and libellous story titled, ” Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has confirmed readiness to quiz two former governors, who are not serving lawmakers in Nigeria” , consequently, drew the attention of the Office of the highly revered , pious, Iconic and legendary Patriot, Distinguished Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, representing Sokoto North Senatorial District.
However , the story was published in the Daily Trust Newspaper of Sunday , September 22, 2019, and credited to the Spokesman of the Commission.
Accordingly, the ‘ fake ‘ story was also erroneously and mischievously lifted by other conventional and new Media platforms, including an Online Newspaper , Sahara Reporters .
In the false and damaging report , the Spokesman of the EFCC, One, Wilson Uwujaren was reportedly quoted as confirming that, the Commission was ready to commence the probe of the former Governors of Sokoto and Kano States, who are aslo serving Senators , Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (APC, Kano) and Dr Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (APC), Sokoto) .
A release issued to reporters Tuesday in Sokoto by Bashir Rabe Mani, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Senator Wamakko said in the sadistic report, Umujaren was also further quoted as alleging that , the two Senators, who represent Sokoto North and Kano Centtal Senattorial Districts are reportedly accused of financial misdemeanour, while they held sway as the governors of Kano and Sokoto states, respectively.
It reads thus : ” Spokesperson for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed this to Daily Trust.
” The commission would be quizzing Kwankwaso on petitions alleging diversion of local government funds amounting to N3.08bn.
” On the other hand, Wamakko would be questioned on allegations of theft of public funds and money laundering totalling N15bn.
” One Mustapha Danjuma and co. on behalf of Abubakar Maisha’ani and Alhaji Najumai Kobo had petitioned the EFCC alleging that Kwankwaso received contributions of N70m from each of the 44 local government councils (totalling N3.08bn) , towards his presidential primaries in 2015.”
For the avoidance any doubt , this fake and debilitating report was circulated by the same deluded agents of doom and merchants of falsehood , in April ,2018, but , their heinous efforts,then failed woefully to soil the good and ever rising stars of Senator Wamakko.
Senator Wamakko had then , also denied receiving any invitation from the Commission and this unfettered and impeccable fact remains so, till date.
The former Sokoto state Governor, who is currently the Chairman, Senate Committee on Defense, and Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti Corruption told newsmen at his Gawon Nama residence in Sokoto, then , that, ” recent media reports to that effect were fake and concocted by mischief makers to tarnish his image.
” It is a public knowledge that I live a simple life since from my class teacher status, till I become the state governor and the present status.
” I believe in God that gives power to whom he wishes and is Almighty that raised my political carrier to the present status and I have the belief that He the Almighty only could bring me down.”
Senator Wamakko still strongly believes that, the resurgent circulation of the fake news is the calculated attempt of some detractors, ingrates, poltically bankrupt and faceless individuals to tarnish his image.
Senator Wamakko reiterates , ” The dastardly publications in the dailies mischievously quoted a petition by some non existent and faceless merchants of doom, linking Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso and I to alleged mismanagement of over N18 billion when we were in office as state governors.
” I am again challenging those peddling the fake news to publish my bank accounts and other details to back their nefarious and virulent unsubstantiated claims .
” The purported petition did not emanate from the EFCC, but, from some chronic merchants of falsehood.”
Senator maintained that, he was among the first governors to pay the N18, 000 minimum wage and ensured that, he cleared all salary and workers entitlements before handing over to the present government.
“I am human capable of making mistakes, a loyal citizen that is not above the law, therefore I can submit myself for legitimate scrutiny and not this mere media trial, ” he again enthused .