Lalong was the governor of Plateau State from 2015 to 2023.
A civil society has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the admistration of the former Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong over alleged financial impropriety during his tenure.
Simon Bako Lalong was the governor of Plateau State from 2015 to 2023.
The group, the Coalition of Plateau Citizens of Conscience for Good Governance and Accountability on Democratic Matters, in a statement by Yerima Bitrus, the convener said this during a press conference in Abuja on Friday.
The coalition asked the EFCC to extend its scrutiny not only to the former Governor Lalong, but also to other stakeholders such as the Heads of Plateau State tertiary institutions during the last tenure of former Governor Lalong.
It also called on the EFCC to extend it to the 17 local government chairmen during the last tenure of Lalong who were suspended by the Plateau State 9th House of Assembly for financial misappropriation and any other person who may have engaged in illicit financial practices during the previous administration.
The group said its call for EFCC's involvement is part of a broader effort to uphold ethical governance standards and foster public confidence in leadership, adding that the demand for eight years stewardship of former Governor Lalong, is not to antagonise anybody but to put the record straight for accountability and transparency towards ensuring good Governancnce.
"In a resolute stance against financial misappropriations and the lack of accountability issues of misappropriation of funds, in Plateau State, the Coalition of Plateau Citizens of Conscience for Good Governance And Accountability on Democratic Matters has embarked on a crucial mission in support of President Bola Tinubu's administration to fight against corruption.
"While we commend and appreciate the leadership and staff of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) under the Tinubu's administration for their efforts in the fight against corruption in our dear nation, this coalition's demand for accountability stems from the eight-year tenure of the former Executive Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong, during which allegations of alleged financial impropriety have surfaced.
"The alleged misappropriation of funds, such as: The N50billion Legacy Projects which was abandoned by the Lalong Administration and currently in Court with the contractors.
"The missing N17billion Which was deducted from civil servants salaries as PAYE Taxt from 2015-2023.
"The missing 400 tractors which were commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari on the 9th March 2018.
"That former Governor Lalong should account for the billions of naira allegedly borrowed as loan from a bank for the construction Of the British American flyover when available information on ground revealed that the contract was later paid with the state IGR from the Plateau Board of Internal Revenue.
"The N2billion deducted from the LG accounts for the local government election of 9th October, in 2021, without approval and which was not even captured in the budget.
"The billions of naira allegedly borrowed for the installation of street light from Plateau specialist hospital that have now stopped just after Government House Little Rayfield when in reality the work/contract goes beyond that area.
"More to it, is the alleged missing of N1billion approved by the Plateau 9th Assembly for the completion of the Zaria Road Stadium now abandoned.
"The coalition's primary objective is to ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility in governance, particularly concerning the utilization of public funds. We firmly assert that the former governor must be held accountable for alleged financial misdeeds that occurred during his time in office.
"The coalition extends its scrutiny not only to the former Governor Lalong, but also to other stakeholders such as the Heads of Plateau State Tertiary Institutions during the last tenure of Former Governor Lalong, the 17 Local Government Chairmen during the last tenure of former Governor Lalong who were suspended by the Plateau State 9th House of Assembly for Financial Misappropriation and any other person who may have engaged in illicit financial practices during the previous administration.
"Central to our demands, is the involvement of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), an institution mandated by law to investigate and prosecute cases of financial malfeasance. The coalition views EFCC's intervention as a crucial step in curbing corruption and stabilising Nigeria's economy. We emphasize the importance of recovering any misappropriated or siphoned funds to restore trust and financial integrity.
"Our call for EFCC's involvement is part of a broader effort to uphold ethical governance standards and foster public confidence in leadership.
"It is important to note, that the demand for Eight (8) years stewardship of former Governor Lalong, is not to antagonize anybody but to put the record straight for accountability and transparency towards ensuring good Governance, just as it was done to Senator Jonah Jang and senator Joshua Dariye, who were all former Governors of Plateau State.
"By advocating for accountability and transparency, the Coalition of Plateau Citizens Of Conscience For Good Governance and Accountability on Democratic Matters demonstrates a commitment to promoting good Governance and safeguarding the interests of the citizens. Our plea for EFCC's intervention reflects a collective desire for a corruption-free society and a sustainable economic environment.
"To save our democracy and our country, every citizen must support the current administration's fight against corruption and through this concerted effort."
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