History has repeatedly shown that in Nigeria, no governor is immune from the scrutiny of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Every single state has seen at least one of its former governors investigated or invited for questioning. Yet, despite this undeniable trend, the cycle of governance continues to be marked by vengeance, as new administrations seek to probe and prosecute their predecessors—often not for the sake of justice, but as a tool for political retribution.
A prime example of this is playing out in Kwara State today. A former governor, Maigida, is currently facing trial over an alleged N5.78 billion misappropriation case involving the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (KWSUBEB). However, at the latest hearing, the principal witness, Dr. Musa Dasuki—a former Permanent Secretary and accounting officer of the board—told the court that neither Maigida nor his Commissioner for Finance, Demola Banu, were signatories to the account in question. He further clarified that the controversial loan at the center of the allegations was never granted to them directly but was instead used to pay workers’ salaries.
This revelation challenges the entire basis of the prosecution, raising the question: is this truly about justice, or is it another instance of a sitting governor using state resources to bring down his predecessor?
Kwara Legends: Justice, Not Political Persecution
Kwara Legends is not against the activities of the EFCC in bringing public officials to account for their actions in government. The fight against corruption is critical for the progress of our nation, and no leader should be above scrutiny. However, what we frown at is not the EFCC’s duty to investigate but the intention of the sitting governments who selectively weaponize anti-corruption agencies to target their predecessors. When the fight against corruption is driven by vendetta rather than genuine accountability, it loses credibility and becomes a mere political tool.
It is ironic that Maigida, an experienced financial guru, is being subjected to this political trial despite his groundbreaking economic policies that helped Kwara navigate tough financial times. Just like his predecessor, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Maigida was a visionary leader who implemented initiatives that strengthened the state’s financial independence and governance structure.
One of his most remarkable achievements was the transformation of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS). At a time when Nigeria faced an economic meltdown due to falling oil prices, Kwara, under Maigida’s leadership, innovated and revamped its revenue collection system. The KWIRS reform significantly boosted the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), reducing over-reliance on federal allocations and ensuring that critical sectors such as education, health, and infrastructure continued to receive funding even during economic downturns.
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Furthermore, his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability was evident in the Fiscal Transparency and Accountability Initiative, which earned Kwara recognition under the State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS) Program in Nigeria. This initiative ensured that government financial activities were conducted with openness, giving Kwara a reputation as one of the most fiscally responsible states in the country.
It is therefore bewildering that a man who championed financial prudence and accountability is now being subjected to an anti-corruption trial. If anything, his leadership should be a model for others to emulate rather than an excuse for political persecution.
When Power Becomes a Tool for Vendetta
It is no secret that a sitting governor in Kwara believes he must bring his predecessor to book. But as history has shown, those who wield power with vengeance often find themselves in the same position once their tenure ends. Today, Maigida is in court. Tomorrow, another will take his place.
This pattern is not unique to Kwara. Across the 36 states, former governors have faced EFCC investigations, often at the instigation of their successors. Some of the most notable examples include:
Abia: Orji Uzor Kalu was investigated and convicted for corruption.
Adamawa: Murtala Nyako was investigated for alleged money laundering.
Bayelsa: Diepreye Alamieyeseigha was investigated and convicted.
Delta: James Ibori was investigated and convicted.
Ekiti: Ayodele Fayose was investigated for alleged corruption.
Plateau: Joshua Dariye was investigated and convicted.
Taraba: Jolly Nyame was investigated and convicted.
Zamfara: Abdulaziz Yari was investigated for alleged corruption.
The list goes on, with no state left untouched. This means that those in power today should reflect on the fate of those before them. The EFCC does not forget. The agency that is being used to hound Maigida today will be waiting for another once power changes hands.
The Irony of Governance in Nigeria
It is a tale as old as Nigeria’s democracy—every new governor believes they are untouchable. They assume their political alliances, control over state resources, and influence in Abuja will shield them. But the moment their tenure ends, the same system they weaponized against their predecessors turns against them.
What is happening in Kwara today is not unique. It is merely another chapter in Nigeria’s long history of political vendetta disguised as anti-corruption efforts. But as the trial of Maigida unfolds, one must ask: is this a genuine pursuit of justice, or is it a script that another will one day be forced to act in?
A Lesson for Today’s Leaders
Governance should not be about revenge. It should be about service. Leaders who focus on fulfilling their mandate with transparency and integrity will not have to worry about investigations once they leave office. But those who play politics with the EFCC should prepare for their turn in the defendant’s seat. Because in Nigeria, the cycle is unbroken—and no one, not even the most powerful, can escape it forever.
Signed:
Sa’ad Lukman,
Kwara Legends