By Lambert Tyem
A traditional ruler in Sokoto state, Alhaji Hassan Marafa Danbaba (Magajin Gari), has been dragged before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged contract scam.
The petitioners – Obadiah James, Silas Bayero and Josiah D. Jen of Taraba state had accused the Magajin Garin Sokoto of failing to execute a N350 million water supply scheme contract awarded to his company (Monarch Hydro Works) during former governor Jolly Nyame’s administration.
In a petition to the EFCC dated 23rd November, 2011, the plaintiffs called on the anti graft agency to launch full investigation into the alleged crime.
In a swift reaction, the EFCC through a letter No. CR: 3000/EFCC/ABJ/EG.3/vol.2/346 dated 3rd April 2012 invited Alhaji Danbaba to the commission’s office over the allegation.
The petitioner further alleged that the water supply contract was initially awarded at the sum of N195.3million for renovation but that later reviewed to cost N350million.
The contract was awarded for the re activation of existing broken down mechanised borehole water supply scheme for Monkin Bambur, Gindin Dorowa, Serti, Nyita, Lissan, Mutum Biyu, Famanaga, Mayokam, Didan, Sarki Kidu, Pantisawa and Chidiya communities of Taraba state.
It was also alleged the contractor neither commenced work nor showed any commitment at executing the contract even as full payment was made to the contractor.
When contacted to confirm the petition, Acting Spokesman of the EFCC, Wilson Uwajeren said he will cross check from the Operations Department but was later not reached till press time. Several calls placed on his cell phones were not picked.
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