News Editor
An impeccable source in the Nasarawa State Ministry of Finance has revealed to this newspaper that the State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule has redirected last month’s allocation from the Federation Account to fund a scheme set up to bribe some officials of the Federal Judiciary in the hope of securing a favourable judgment at the Court of Appeal following the upturning of his election by the Tribunal.
The source said the inability of the Governor to convene the state’s Joint Accounts Allocation Committee Meeting was mainly because the funds are no longer there, as they have been funneled to the pockets of some corrupt officials who promised to influence the outcome of the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Sule’s favour.
“I can confirm to you that the coffers of the government have been cleared out. Even before the last allocation from FAAC came, the accounts were in red. substantial amounts from the state’s accounts are being redirected towards the Governor’s legal expenses while the rest are being funneled to some pliant officials in order to bend the rules at the Appeal Court,” the source said.
The source expressed deep concern over recent developments regarding the utilization of Nasarawa State funds especially since the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sacked him from office, stressing that all government functions have been put on hold except for those that will give the Governor visibility in the media.
“This raises serious questions about the propriety of using public funds for personal legal matters, especially in a context as sensitive as an election-related trial.
“While every individual is entitled to a fair defense, we emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability in the use of public resources. The people of Nasarawa State have entrusted their funds for the betterment of the state, and any deviation from this purpose undermines the public trust,” the source stated.
The source said even against the advice of the state ministry of Finance the Governor has insisted that he will use everything in his authority to remain in office at all costs, not minding the consequences of his action.
“In fact, some of his flippant supporters are already jubilating that one of the judges, whom they expect to be on the panel, has allegedly agreed to work with them having been induced last night. They are just awaiting the unveiling of the full list of judges in order to activate their other plans into action. The governor has taken all the state’s resources for this purpose, but the people of Nasarawa State are hopeful that the judges will uphold merit and might turn down his offer in the interest of Justice.
“We urge the judiciary to ensure an impartial and just trial process, free from any external influences that could compromise the integrity of the outcome,” the source said.
The source also alleged that a prominent traditional ruler has been under pressure to activate his Abuja contacts in order to achieve their goal and that the traditional ruler was overheard saying that the governor is visibly disturbed and unsettled leading to the importation of an Indian talisman or marabout who was accompanied to Keffi by other equally prominent northern chiefs in the guise of attending a sudden public lecture at the University. Our source further disclosed that part of the plan is to perfect strategies and deploy influence to aid the governor’s success at appeal.
“They were all over the place yesterday night in Abuja desperately trying to conclude deals with one of the judges who they expect will be a member of the panel. They were also once again making all efforts to see the VP in this regard yesterday. The team included a Senator who hopes to succeed Engr Sule in 2027, a wealthy northern businessman, an Emir who doubled as the judge’s contact man, been a retired judge, as well as a popular national leader of the APC. All these dubious endeavours are being sponsored with the state’s meagre resources,” the source alleged.
They are mentally comfortable now to the extent of issuing a press release calling on their members to remain calm as there is no cause for alarm.
