NGO Petitions Authorities Over Alleged Double Salary Scheme By Bauchi Governor’s Aide
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A non-governmental organisation, Community Rescue Initiative (CRI), has petitioned federal and state authorities to investigate allegations that a prominent political aide is simultaneously holding appointments and drawing salaries from both the federal government and the Bauchi State government.
In the petition signed by its counsel, A.S. Idris Esq., the organisation alleged that Mr. Liman Babayo Othman Abubakar, popularly known as Babayo Liman, currently serves as Chief Executive Officer (Accounts) on Salary Grade Level 14 under the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.
In this federal capacity, he is reportedly posted to the Accounts Department of the Federal Ministry of Works in Jos, Plateau State.
The group claims that Abubakar serves as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Internal Security to the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.
The petition alleges that he has actively received salaries, allowances, and entitlements from both positions, raising serious concerns over potential violations of Public Service Rules, conflict of interest regulations, and the unlawful receipt of public funds.
According to CRI, the double-dipping arrangement is not recent but allegedly dates back nearly two decades, spanning multiple state administrations.
The petition states that the practice began during the administration of former Bauchi State Governor Malam Isa Yuguda, when Abubakar allegedly served as Senior Special Assistant on Peace and Conflict Resolution while retaining his federal employment.
The group noted that if the claims are established, the prolonged conduct amounts to unlawful enrichment, financial misconduct, abuse of office, and misappropriation of public funds.
The NGO has called for an immediate internal investigation into Abubakar’s service records, attendance history, deployment status, and salary payments to verify the allegations.
Furthermore, CRI urged relevant authorities to suspend his salary payments pending the outcome of the investigation, recover any funds found to have been unlawfully received, and apply appropriate disciplinary measures, including the reversal of previous promotions prior to a dismissal from service if found culpable.
The petition has been formally copied to multiple anti-corruption and security agencies for further action. Recipients include the Gombe Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Bauchi State Director of the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Bauchi State Police Command.
Additional copies were sent to the Federal Civil Service Commission, the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Works in Jos, and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.
When contacted regarding the petition, Babayo Liman denied the allegations, describing them as entirely baseless and unsupported by evidence.
He observed that despite the allegations circulating widely on social media, neither the federal government nor the Bauchi State government has issued an official pronouncement on the matter.
Liman added that he is currently consulting with his legal team and will provide a formal response at the appropriate time.
