The Joint Action Movement of Nigeria (JAMN) has expressed shock at the recent arrest of Bauchi state’s Accountant General, Sirajo Jaja, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja.
The group said the action only raises serious questions about the integrity of the processes as it casts a shadow over the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed.
A statement on Saturday by Kabiru Ibrahim Turaki, spokesman of JAMN said, “We are particularly concerned about the manner in which this arrest was executed. Sirajo Jaja was attending the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting when he was abruptly interrupted by the EFCC. This approach is not only disruptive but also raises ethical questions about the agency’s methods and intentions.
“Such actions could have been avoided had the EFCC allowed the Accountant General to fulfill his official responsibilities while addressing any inquiries at a later time.”
It said EFCC’s claims of investigating Governor Bala Mohammed’s alleged involvement in fraudulent activities complicate the situation while the timing raises questions about the motives behind the investigation.
“Such actions could be politically motivated, aimed at undermining they credibility of the current administration. Moreover, the arrest of Jaja and the subsequent allegations against Governor Mohammed may have a chilling effect on public service and governance in Bauchi state as public officials may become wary of performing their duties, fearing that their actions could be subject to misinterpretation as corrupt practices,” It said.
JAMN therefore called for the establishment of mechanisms to protect public officials who act in good faith, saying safeguards are necessary to ensure that individuals who are committed to transparency and ethical governance are not unjustly targeted.
“The conduct of EFCC in this matter is deeply troubling. The sensationalism and politicisation surrounding the arrest, coupled with the media trial of a public servant have given rise to a negative narrative rather than a genuine effort to combat corruption.
