By; SULAIMAN AHMED MISAU, Katsina.
Individuals testifying at the Commission of inquiry set up by the Katsina State Government to look into the 74 billion naira allegedly stolen by the administration of Former Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema’s administration said that the missing 9.7 billion naira from the Subsidy Reinvestment Program (Sure – P) in the State was stolen in transit, and tender guidelines were not properly followed.
Testifying before the Commission Thursday in Katsina, Special Adviser to Governor Aminu Bello Masari on Budget and Planning Alhaji Inuwa Imam said the stealing of 9.7 billion Naira of the Sure-P money was done in between the State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs and the Department of Sure-P matters in the State.
The Katsina State Government also said ”some Commercial Banks in the state should share part of the blames as the funds were withdrawn through cheques massively instead of e-payments”
The Special Adviser Alhaji Inuwa Imam attributed the financial scandal to the former Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema, Former Finance Commissioner Alhaji Lawal Mohammed Jari, former Accountant General of the State, Alhaji Abdullahi Rimawa, the then Commissioner Ministry for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Alhaji Hamisu Makana Fago and its Permanent Secretary Alhaji Lawal Safana as well as Officials of All Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in the State.
Chairman of the Judicial Commission, Justice Mohammed Surajo adjourned the sitting to August 24, this year to enable Counsels of the Defendants cross checks Memos tendered by the State Government for cross examination.
