Sokoto Government’s N1.2 Billion Borehole Repair Contract Is a Scam—APC Lawmaker Demands EFCC, ICPC Investigation

Sani Yakubu, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker representing Gudu/Tangaza Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has called for anti-corruption bodies—the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC)—to investigate the Sokoto State government. The demand follows the state’s award of a controversial N1.2 billion contract for the repair of 25 boreholes.

This appeal comes just hours after a video surfaced online in which Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, also of the APC, announced the contract’s approval. The governor, in the same video, also disclosed the approval of a N33 billion contract for the construction of the Lugu Dam.

Speaking in Hausa, Governor Aliyu stated, “We have given out a contract for the repair of 25 boreholes at the rate of one billion two hundred million naira (N1,200,000,000). We have also approved the construction of the Lugu Dam at a cost of N33 billion.”

However, Yakubu, in a separate video that has also gone viral, denounced the Sokoto government for what he described as a pattern of corruption and deceit. He accused the state administration of using government contracts as a means to siphon public funds into the pockets of officials.

“The government has been dishonest about many issues, and a humongous amount of money is being embezzled,” Yakubu declared. He urged the EFCC and ICPC to thoroughly investigate the matter, stating that only a comprehensive probe would expose the extent of the alleged corruption.

Yakubu also expressed his frustration with what he termed the “politics of godfatherism” within the APC, stating, “We’ve had enough of this politics of godfatherism, and enough with political slavery.”

The allegations come at a time when Sokoto State, like much of the Northwest, is grappling with severe security challenges, including banditry and terrorism. In response to the escalating violence, Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, has ordered top military officials to relocate to Sokoto to intensify counter-insurgency efforts in the state