As state Governors are collecting more money from the federation account in this administration of president Bola Tinubu, former Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Dr Danladi Bako has called on the Nigerian Journalists to focus their searchlight towards state Governors in the country. The former NBC Boss made the call yesterday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN in Abuja.
According to Bako, democracy in Nigeria in the past 24yrs has witnessed a significant changes in terms of electoral reforms and the constitution especially from the 8th and the 9th assembly, but the life of the common man has remain where it were.
He said prior to president Tinubu regime, some state governors used to received peanuts, however, with the removal of the fuel subsidy by the Tinubu administration, most state governors are now receiving more money from the federation account.
Though he noted that the cost of living for a common man on a street has skyrocketed, but the state governors are collecting more money and therefore has a duty to take care of the people.
He said, “State Governors is the ones to be held accountable for lack of infrastructure and the development. The immediate past Governor of Rivers and Kaduna state did well; Mallam Sule Lamido during his tenure also did well.
He added, “Babajide Fashola and Ambode all from Lagos state did well and Sanwo-Olu is also trying very well, but some governors are not doing anything he said”.
“Bako now call on journalist to pay more attention to what state governors are using these monies for”.
He explained, “Unfortunately, there was a judgement that says EFCC cannot probe state governments on how they use their state funds, but can only probe federal government funds”.
He called on the Nigerian lawmakers to find a way on how state government and local govt can be hold accountable on their spending.
He laments about the justice system that sioome corruption cases has been lingering since 2007 and there is no hope when justice will be delivered.
He taunts journalists for shying away from their responsibilities of ignoring holding leaders to account instead pursuing personal agenda.
Bako laments that unless crime are punished, they will continue to thrive.
He said, “80% of problems we are facing is because a lot of monies were stolen and nobody is saying anything about them.
He disclosed, “The moment the story came out of the front pages of newspapers or bulletins, people start talking, but shortly after like say three weeks, you do not here anything about it and no follow ups.
He suggested that “We need to have a culture where there is an investigation desk in all media organisations where you follow up stories”.