By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO:– A civic group in Sokoto State, the Sokoto Progressive Vanguards, has cautioned Nigeria’s anti-graft and security agencies against what it described as attempts to politicise ongoing investigations linked to the administration of former Governor and Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Sokoto and signed by its Chairman, Hon. Yusha’u Musa Alkanci, the group urged statutory bodies including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to remain impartial and resist alleged political pressure.

The group expressed concern over the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up to review aspects of the Tambuwal administration, alleging that the process appeared politically motivated.

It called for strict adherence to transparency, due process, and the rule of law in handling any allegations arising from the commission’s findings.

According to the statement, there were widespread reports suggesting that the current administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu was collaborating with individuals and groups who had longstanding political differences with Tambuwal, with the aim of discrediting his eight-year tenure.

The group claimed that what it termed “propaganda and unsubstantiated allegations” were being circulated to tarnish the image of the immediate past administration, insisting that such actions undermine democratic norms and national institutions.

It further questioned the timeline and composition of the Justice Mu’azu Pindiga led commission, noting that what was initially expected to be a two-week assignment reportedly extended for more than three years. The group described the extension as irregular and capable of eroding public confidence in the process.

The Sokoto Progressive Vanguards also argued that any investigation into financial or administrative matters should not be limited to the period between 2015 and 2023, maintaining that Tambuwal inherited several unresolved issues from previous administrations.

The group described as “an aberration of justice” any attempt to confine scrutiny to a specific administration while ignoring petitions and allegations predating Tambuwal’s tenure, some of which, it said, were already before relevant anti-corruption agencies.

While reiterating its support for accountability and lawful investigations, the group warned against what it termed selective justice, political persecution, and media trials. It alleged that the state government was focusing more on discrediting past officials than on addressing pressing governance issues such as insecurity, economic development, and social welfare.

The statement also criticised what it described as a premature release of allegations to the media before the commission concluded its assignment, arguing that such actions could prejudice due process and compromise fair hearing.

Emphasising the need for national institutions to maintain credibility, the group called on anti-graft agencies to conduct any investigation independently and professionally, free from political interference.

The development comes amid heightened political tensions in Sokoto State, with observers noting that the handling of the probe could have broader implications for inter-party relations and governance standards across the country.

The Sokoto Progressive Vanguards concluded by urging all stakeholders to prioritise justice, fairness, and the overall development of Sokoto State above partisan considerations, stressing that accountability must not be reduced to a tool for political rivalry.