EXCLUSIVE: How EFCC recovered N1.3bn from Dankwambo – Gombe Governor explains

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has helped his administration and the state to recover N1.3 billion from former Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo.

According to Governor Yahaya, the administration had upon taking over from Dankwambo launched an investigation into Dankwambo’s administration over alleged misappropriation of funds during his tenure. He said, so far the investigation which was carried out in collaboration with EFCC has led to the recovery of the N1.3 billion that had been misappropriated.

Governor Yahaya made the announcement while speaking during the recent swearing-in of the newly appointed commissioners and 12 Permanent Secretaries as well as the state’s Head of Civil Service in Gombe. He explained that his administration inherited a debt-ridden state, including huge unpaid pensions and gratuities.

He said, “We have settled over 7.9 billion naira in gratuity obligations inherited from the previous administration, ensured timely payment of pensions, and implemented the new minimum wage at the state level since February 2020. And now, thanks to the EFCC, we have successfully recovered N1.3 billion from Dankwambo, the funds will be used to continue the payment of outstanding pension and gratuities of our retired workers.

He further stated that his administration will not relent in its effort to ensure accountability and transparency as well as holding officials accountable to deter future corruption and encourage good governance practices.

He assured that his administration takes the issues of pension and gratuities as well as workers’ welfare very seriously and would do more to address challenges in that regard. He said, “In order to cushion the harsh economic effects caused by the recent removal of fuel subsidy, we approved the payment of 10,000 naira to all workers across board pending the determination of the new national minimum wage which is being negotiated between the federal government of labor stakeholders”.

“Promotions and other welfare packages are also being fully implemented with full financial benefits,” the governor said while calling on all a sundry in the state to support his administration in implementing plans to build a brighter future for the state, “one that reflects and strives to actualize the dreams and aspirations of our founding fathers and wider populace”.