Tension in Taraba over illegal sale of government property
By; Buhari B. Bello, Jos.
The Nigeria Association of auctioneers, Taraba State Branch have petitioned the Nigeria Police force to immediately halt the move by the state government to sale some of its valuable property in the guise of auction to an influential persons in the state.
Dependable source close to the governor’s office alleged that governor Darius Ishaku who was shaken by the recent nullification of his election by a tribunal, reportedly directed some properties including vehicles in Lagos, Abuja and Kaduna liaison Office of the state to be auctioned to a particular individuals said to be his front.
Similarly, the association is also asking the Police to stop the state governor from embarking on the sale or auction of any property until proper procedure is followed.
In a letter to Governor Darius Ishaku signed by the group President, Alhaji Aliyu A.Kileye and Abubakar Bagudu Ten Ten (National Trustee), NAA alleged that the person being authorised to carry out the auction is not a member of their association.
In the letter also copied to the state’s Asset Disposal Commitee, Kileye and his colleagues stated that reports gathered by the association and events leading to the decision to auction the property were not clear and thus the need for its stoppage.
“It is a sincere call that the planned auction be put aside for now and the state chapter of the association be given consideration in accordance with our constitution in the exercise as provided” the letter read in part.
A senior government official in the works ministry in Jalingo who volunteered a comment but pleaded anonymity expressed worry with the way and manner the government was so keen in selling off the said property as if auction of property was part of its campaign promises.
The spokesman for Governor Ishaku, Mr. Silvanus Giwa debunked such allegation, alleging that it is the handwork of their political opponents.
He admitted that a committee to auction some property and has already begun work. Giwa said “the property to be auctioned are scraps, obsolete property”
