From Abubakar Abdullahi, in Lafia
A Nasarawa state Transparency, Accountability and Good Governance group has called on the state Accountant General Musa Ahmed Mohammed to vacate his position over his alleged gubernatorial ambition.
Chairman of the group Lazarus Alaki made this call at the press briefing in Lafia.
The group expressed concerns on the allegedly engaging in covert political activities including meetings and promotions of campaign materials linked to the Accountant General using his traditional title of Barade of Nasarawa.
‘We are particularly concerned about the case of the State Accountant General Musa Mohamed Baradei, who is allegedly engaging in covert political activities,
including secret political meetings and the promotion of campaign materials linked to the Baradei Network,
a group composed of his close associates”
According to the group, the political activities linked to the accountant general are clear conflict of interest and wholly inappropriate for someone occupying such a sensitive and non-partisan office tasked with safeguarding the state ‘s financial integrity.
The chairman of the group also alleged that the state accountant general action is in violation of the Governor Abdullahi Sule directive who in a memo on 16th April 2024 directed all political appointees with aspiration for elective office to either resign or await the official lifting of the ban on political activities by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“Therefore, the office of the accountant general demands neutrality, professionalism and strict adherence to ethical standards”
“And any perception that this office is being used for political leverage will undermine public confidence and will invite allegations of favoritism, abuse of office, and misappropriation of state resources’
“The public office is a separate trust. It must not be used for personal or political gain, but rather to serve the people with transparency, accountability, and impartiality and
If Baradei harbors any political ambitions, the appropriate and honorable course of action is for him to either resign or, in compliance with the law, respect the governor’s directive”
The group said continue disregard for the directive could send the wrong signal to the public especially the opposition parties to perceive as selective enforcement or a sign of administrative weakness, thereby damaging the credibility of the present administration..
The group while calling on political appointees particularly the state accountant general to demonstrate unwavering focus and loyalty to the Governor Sule’s administration development agenda they also.commended Governor Sule for his transparency, accountability and a clear commitment to delivering meaningful progress for the state.
Effort to get the accountant general reaction proved abortive as call and text message sent to him were not sent
