The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) has officially petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun over allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation concerning a privately owned rice farm.
The anti-corruption and human rights group accuses Governor Abiodun of falsely representing the farm as a World Bank-assisted project initiated by the Ogun State Government.
The petition, signed by HEDA Chairman Olanrewaju Suraju, was prompted by a report from Peoples Gazette on September 12, 2024, which detailed the governor’s claims regarding a rice farm owned by Bello Zabarmawa, the Special Adviser to the Kebbi State Governor.
Zabarmawa reportedly invested N6 million to lease 220 hectares of land through his company, Young Service Grow, and provided interest-free loans to 200 farmers to enhance rice cultivation.
According to Zabarmawa, the Ogun State Government contributed to the project by covering half of the land clearing costs and assisting with fertilizer expenses. However, the controversy erupted when, after the rice was harvested, Governor Abiodun allegedly visited the farm and misrepresented it as a state government initiative funded by the World Bank.
“This misrepresentation raises serious concerns about the possible misappropriation of public funds intended for agricultural development in Ogun State,” said Suraju in a statement.
He expressed alarm at the governor’s actions, suggesting they reflect a troubling pattern of political leaders exploiting public resources for personal gain.
In their petition, HEDA urged the EFCC to investigate whether any public funds allocated for agricultural projects were diverted, emphasizing the need for accountability.
Suraju stated, “Nigeria has endured too many years of poor governance and corruption at the hands of leaders who prioritize personal enrichment over the welfare of citizens.”
HEDA remains committed to promoting transparency and accountability across all levels of government. They called on the EFCC to act swiftly in uncovering the truth and ensuring that all parties, including Governor Abiodun, are held accountable if found culpable.
The organization also commended the EFCC for its ongoing efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria, expressing optimism about the outcome of the investigation. “We believe that thorough scrutiny will reveal the facts, and we expect justice to prevail,” Suraju concluded.
As the EFCC considers HEDA’s petition, the spotlight remains on Governor Abiodun and the implications of these serious allegations for governance in Ogun State.
