NGO Petitions FG, Bauchi Govt Over Alleged Double Salaries By Governor’s Aide

A non-governmental organisation, Community Rescue Initiative (CRI), has petitioned relevant authorities over alleged cases of double remuneration involving a senior government official, Mr. Babayo Liman Othman Abubakar, popularly known as Babayo Liman, calling for a full-scale investigation into his employment status across federal and state institutions.

The organisation, in a petition signed by its counsel, A.S. Idris, Esq, alleged that Babayo Liman is simultaneously holding appointments with both the federal government and Bauchi State Government, while allegedly receiving salaries and allowances from both sources.

According to the petition, the official is said to serve as Chief Executive Officer (Accounts), Salary Grade Level 14, under the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, where he is reportedly posted to the Accounts Department of the Federal Ministry of Works in Jos, Plateau State.

The group further alleged that he is also serving as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, on internal security, raising concerns over possible breaches of Public Service Rules, conflict of interest regulations, and unlawful receipt of public funds.

CRI alleged that Babayo Liman has continued to receive salaries, allowances, and other entitlements from the federal government while also drawing remuneration from the Bauchi State Government.

The group stated, “Mr. Liman Babayo Othman Abubakar is alleged to be simultaneously occupying two public offices under separate governments.”

It added that such arrangements raise serious ethical and legal concerns regarding compliance with public service regulations and eligibility to hold two remunerated positions concurrently.

“The simultaneous occupation of the above offices raises serious questions regarding compliance with extant Public Service Rules, ethics of public office, conflict of interest regulations, and eligibility to hold two remunerated government positions concurrently,” the petition read.

The organisation further alleged that the arrangement may have persisted for nearly two decades, dating back to previous administrations in Bauchi State.

It claimed that the official had at different times served in state roles while retaining federal employment, an arrangement it described as potentially constituting financial misconduct and abuse of office if proven true.

“Despite actively serving and receiving salaries, allowances, and other financial benefits from the Bauchi State Government, Mr. Liman Babayo Othman Abubakar has continued to receive salaries… from the federal government for several years,” the petition alleged.

CRI also claimed that the practice may have begun during the administration of former Governor Isa Yuguda, when the official reportedly held roles in both state and federal capacities.

The organisation urged authorities to launch an immediate investigation into the official’s employment records, attendance history, salary payments, and deployment status across both levels of government.

It also called for the recovery of any funds found to have been unlawfully received, suspension of salary payments pending investigation, and referral of the matter to anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

CRI further requested disciplinary action in line with Public Service Rules if the allegations are substantiated.

The petition was also copied to several agencies, including the EFCC Gombe Zonal Command, ICPC Bauchi office, Department of State Services (DSS), Police authorities, the Federal Civil Service Commission, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Bauchi State Government.

Reacting to the allegations, Babayo Liman denied any wrongdoing, describing the claims as baseless and unverified.

He said neither the federal government nor the Bauchi State Government had issued any official statement confirming the allegations, adding that he was consulting with his legal team and would respond appropriately.

“Since the allegation started trending on social media, neither the Bauchi State government nor the federal government uttered a word on it,” he said.

The petition has continued to generate public attention as stakeholders await responses from the relevant government institutions and anti-corruption agencies.