The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun investigation into the alleged looting of Taraba States treasury by the sacked Acting Governor, Garba Umar, popularly called UTC.
Ibrahim Lamorde
Umar’s name is on a list with 10 former governors standing trial for alleged corruption.
The anti-corruption agency invited him in a letter dated June 6, signed by the Head of Economic Governance, Olufunke Adetayo-Ogumbode.
The letter, entitled: “Investigation Activities –Letter of Invitation”, was received by the Taraba State government on July 17, requesting the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Anthony Jellason, to ask Umar to report to the EFCC for “an interview.”
Jellason was fired by Umar when he (Jellason) was the commissioner for Agriculture. Jellason’s sack, including that of ex-Governor Danbaba Suntai’s loyalists, by Umar, was believed to be political.
Our Source learnt that the majority of Taraba indigenes demanded the probe of the former acting governor, for allegedly stealing billions of the state’s funds and leaving Taraba in a debt of over N20billion, mostly incurred from bank overdrafts.
Following the plane crash involving ex-Governor Suntai on October 25, 2012, Umar, his deputy, became the acting governor between November 14, 2012 and November 21 last year when he was sacked by the Supreme Court for “illegally and unconstitutionally occupying the office.”
It was reported that “Umar, during his illegal reign, threw to the dogs, financial and administrative instructions with impunity.” He was also accused of lack of accountability and fiscal recklessness.
Umar is to answer questions on three-count charge, including conspiracy, theft and abuse of office, according to the EFCC.
Its letter reads: “The commission (EFCC) is conducting an enquiry into a case of conspiracy, abuse of office and diversion of public funds.”
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