A prominent civil society coalition has intensified pressure on former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, demanding a comprehensive account of his management of public resources during his eight-year tenure. This call follows his recent appointment as Chairman of the board of Geregu Power Plc, a major player in Nigeria's energy sector.
Coalition Reopens Accountability Questions
The Coalition for Public Asset Accountability (CPAA) stated that Yari's elevation to this significant corporate leadership position has reignited public interest in unresolved questions concerning governance and financial transparency from his time as governor from 2011 to 2019. The group insists that moving into a critical national sector like power necessitates even higher standards of scrutiny.
Comrade Olumide Adebanjo, President of the CPAA, emphasized that the discussions around Yari's past are unavoidable. "The appointment of Senator Abdulaziz Yari to a strategic position in the power sector has understandably reignited conversations about public accountability," Adebanjo said. "These are not discussions that can be ignored, especially where they concern the management of state resources during his years in office."
Demand for Full Asset Disclosure
The CPAA clarified that it is not contesting Yari's right to hold private sector roles. However, the coalition stressed that transparency is non-negotiable when former public officials assume influential economic positions. The group has specifically called on the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to publicly release Yari's asset declarations filed when he assumed office in 2011 and upon leaving in 2019.
"Asset declaration is not punitive; it is a measure of transparency that reassures citizens that our public institutions work as intended," Adebanjo added. The coalition argues that such disclosure is vital to close accountability gaps and rebuild public trust, particularly for citizens of Zamfara who continue to face severe developmental challenges.
Accountability Amidst Lingering State Challenges
The CPAA's statement highlighted the stark contrast between Yari's new corporate role and the ongoing struggles in Zamfara State. The coalition noted that communities in the state are still grappling with insecurity, weak infrastructure, and pervasive poverty.
"In such circumstances, lingering doubts about the management of public resources cannot simply be ignored," the CPAA asserted. The group connected the scale of the corporate transaction that preceded Yari's appointment at Geregu Power Plc to the heightened public scrutiny, framing the issue as one of institutional integrity rather than personal attack.
Finally, the coalition urged oversight agencies, including the CCB and anti-corruption bodies, to investigate the matter professionally and without political bias. They believe addressing these concerns openly will strengthen democratic norms and ensure that accountability follows public servants into their subsequent roles in private sectors crucial to national development.
