Lawyer Seeks EFCC Probe As Taraba ALGON Denies Extortion Allegations

A legal practitioner based in Jalingo, Barrister Emmanuel Agbo, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate allegations surrounding the collection of screening fees from newly appointed supervisory councillors and special advisers across Taraba State’s 16 local government areas.

Agbo, who spoke with LEADERSHIP, urged the anti-graft agency to determine the legality and transparency of the exercise following reports that as much as N54.4 million could be generated from the screening process across the state.

He argued that beyond the amount involved, concerns remain over the legal basis for imposing compulsory screening fees on political appointees seeking confirmation by local government legislative councils.

According to him, the EFCC should investigate the matter and establish whether the collections comply with existing laws and financial regulations.

One of the newly appointed supervisory councillors, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, also appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas to investigate the allegations and ensure that anyone found culpable is sanctioned.

However, the Leader of the Jalingo Legislative Council and Deputy Chairman of the Taraba Forum of Council Leaders, Abdulsalami Joda, confirmed that nominees were being charged before appearing for screening.

Joda said supervisory councillor nominees were required to pay N250,000 each, while nominees for special adviser positions were expected to pay N150,000 before undergoing screening and confirmation.

He maintained that the collection of the fees falls within the rights of the legislative councils and insisted that the practice is lawful.

The development has sparked public concern, with many residents demanding clarification on who authorised the charges and how the proceeds are being managed.

Investigations by LEADERSHIP revealed that nominees appointed by local government chairmen were allegedly required to make payments of varying amounts before appearing before legislative councils for screening and confirmation.

But the chairman of the Association of Local Government Areas of Nigeria (ALGON), Taraba State chapter, Hon. Moses Maihankali, has denied allegations that councillors in the state’s 16 local government areas are collecting money from newly appointed supervisory councillors ahead of their screening and confirmation.

Maihankali described the allegations, which have circulated widely on social and conventional media platforms, as false, misleading and capable of creating unnecessary tension within the local government system.

In a statement issued in Jalingo, the ALGON chairman urged members of the public to disregard the reports, insisting that no official approval had been granted for the collection of any payment from appointees participating in the screening exercise.

He warned members of the Forum of Council Leaders and all individuals involved in the screening process against demanding or accepting money, gifts or any form of gratification from appointees.

According to him, the screening and confirmation exercise must be conducted in a transparent, fair and accountable manner in line with due process and the principles of good governance.

Maihankali stressed that no appointee should be subjected to any financial demand before or during the exercise, warning that any violation of the directive would attract sanctions.

He also urged councillors across the state to remain focused on their constitutional responsibilities and continue serving their respective local government areas with integrity, dedication and accountability.

The ALGON chairman reaffirmed the commitment of local government councils in Taraba State to transparency, accountability and effective service delivery in line with the developmental objectives of the state government.

He further assured residents that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken against any individual found engaging in activities capable of tarnishing the image of local government councils or undermining public confidence in the administration.

The statement comes amid growing public concern over allegations of financial demands linked to the ongoing screening and confirmation of newly appointed supervisory councillors across the state.