Former Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State has five days to return vehicles he allegedly took away from the state Government House.
Governor Dauda Lawal gave the ultimatum in a statement by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, released on Sunday.
The statement was, however, silent on the action to be taken if Matawalle fails to return the vehicles.
“Our government is determined in fulfilling the campaign promises made to the good people of Zamfara State which involves the swift recovery of looted public funds and properties.”
“We have the facts and records available that expose Matawalle’s impropriety. Where is the lie? A contract was awarded by the former Governor, for the purchase of vehicles to be distributed to dignitaries and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) at the cost of N1,149,800,000.00. The contract for the purchase of the vehicles was awarded to Hafkhad Properties and Facilities Management Nig. LTD.
“The money was meant for the purchase of a Toyota Lexus VIP Bullet Proof 2021 Model; Toyota Land Cruiser VIP Bullet Proof 2021 Model; Toyota Prado V6 2021 Model; Toyota Prado V4 2021 Model; Peugeot 2021 Model; Toyota Hilux 2021 Model; Toyota Land Cruiser Bullet Proof 2021; and Toyota Lexus 2021 Model.
“We have communicated officially to former Governor Bello Matawalle and his Deputy to return all the missing vehicles within five working days.”
Ibrahim Dosara, spokesman of Matawalle, could not be reached for comments as his line was switched off.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had said it was probing Matawalle for an alleged N70 billion fraud, but the former governor has fired back, accusing the EFCC Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa, of demanding a $2 million bribe from him.
