Alleged fraud: EFCC quizzes ex-Bayelsa gov, Dickson

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday, quizzed a former governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, over alleged misappropriation of funds meant for his state.

An official of the commission, who did not want his name in print, told Daily Trust that Dickson, who is currently representing Bayelsa West in the Senate, arrived at the headquarters of the commission at about 10:50am.

According to the official, the former governor, who ruled the oil-rich state for eight years, was invited by the commission.

“Yes, he was invited. He has been answering some questions pertaining to some funds in Bayelsa State,” the official said.

The spokesman of the commission, Wilson Uwujaren, also confirmed Dickson’s presence at the anti-graft agency.

The source said the anti-graft agency was acting on the series of petitions submitted in the past by some Bayelsa indigenes against the former governor, who governed Bayelsa between 2012 and 2020 in the state.

It was gathered that the allegations against Dickson border on some assets alleged to have been acquired with public funds.

However, the lawmaker said the assets in question belonged to Seriake Dickson Trust Incorporated, his family investments, which were incorporated before he became governor.

“These investments were funded by loans and advances and repaid from salaries, allowances, savings and others. One of them is still on mortgage and I have made these documents available to the EFCC,” he said