Why I Never Had N1bn Savings In My Account As Adamawa Governor – Ngilari

Why I Never Had N1bn Savings In My Account As Adamawa Governor – Ngilari

Bala Ngilari, the former governor of Adamawa State, has reiterated that he never had up to a billion naira in his bank account during his time in office.

In an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, Ngilari reaffirmed his earlier statement, responding to a question about his recent remark that he would be astonished to find one billion naira in his account.

He stated, “This can be verified, my account can be checked, eight years back – there was no time I ever had a credit balance of a billion naira within my account.”

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Ngilari explained that although there were opportunities for him to amass such a sum, his adherence to the ethical standards of his legal profession guided him in maintaining integrity in handling state finances.

“That is not to say that I didn’t have opportunities that I would have made that kind of money when I was governor. That is not the path I chose for myself and mind you I am a legal practitioner – I have been practicing law for a considerable time.”

The former governor clarified that his initial statement was made in jest and should not be taken too seriously.

Ngilari also mentioned that he has forgiven those who played a role in his conviction following a corruption case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He added that he will not elaborate further on the matter, as he is focused on inspiring the younger generation through his autobiography.

Ngilari, who served as governor from October 2014 to May 2015, was convicted of corruption involving N167 million in 2017 and sentenced to prison after leaving office. The EFCC had charged him for violating procurement laws in awarding a contract of 167 million Naira to El-Yadi Motors Limited for the supply of 25 units of operational vehicles (Toyota Corolla). He received a five-year prison sentence from a High Court in Yola, Adamawa state capital, over corruption charges. However, he was later acquitted and discharged by the Court of Appeal in Yola.