On Friday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested Darius Ishaku, a former governor of Taraba State.

After the arrest, the commission subsequently charged Ishaku with the diversion of more than N27 billion belonging to the state government.

Ishaku, who was governor of the state between 2015 and 2023, was said to have committed the crime between 2016 and 2021.

While hosting Peter Obi, who was then a Labour Party presidential aspirant, at his office in May 2022, Ishaku made interesting comments about good governance, accountability and legacies.

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Credit: SYMFONI

“You can see the difference of those who can and those who can’t,” Ishaku said while receiving Obi alongside other Taraba delegates.

“But let me be frank with you, I am not in a position to leave anything behind, sir.

“You are one of the rare gems in Nigeria. The former governor (Willie Obiano) was correct… He wasn’t on good terms with his governor (Peter Obi), but do you know what shocked me? I prepared the southeast regional development plan some two, three decades ago (sic).

“So, southeast, I know it on the palm of my hand (sic). And I know Anambra very well. And so, when I met the governor (Obiano) who had just finished his tenure, I asked him, “My dear brother, I have been longing to thank you immensely. You did something remarkably well, God bless you.

“He said, “My brother, what is that?” I said, “The international airport you built in Awka.” I said, “I am exceedingly happy.” He said, “Oh, my God! I am happy hearing it from you.”

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“Then I added, I said, “Where did you get the money?” He said, “Biko, na my former colleague leave the money behind.” I laughed at…(sic). He said, “Frankly speaking, he left money in foreign currency.”

“”It is the money I saw that I said, look, let me leave a legacy before we go (sic).” So, I am not promising. I won’t leave money o. I am owing them here (in Taraba State) and I will use the money well.”

EFCC has since filed an indictment with 15 counts against Ishaku.

The commission is accusing him of diverting funds belonging to Taraba State’s Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and certain local governments of the state for private uses.
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