A civil society coalition has called on Abdulaziz Yari, former governor of Zamfara State, to provide a full account of his stewardship of public resources during his tenure, following his recent appointment as chairman of the board of Geregu Power Plc.
The group, Coalition for Public Asset Accountability (CPAA), said Yari’s elevation to a major corporate leadership role has renewed public interest in unresolved questions around governance, asset management, and financial transparency during his eight years as governor.
In a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday, Comrade Olumide Adebanjo, president of the coalition, urged Yari to clarify his financial record by returning any public resources allegedly misappropriated from Zamfara State and by supporting the release of his asset declarations by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).
“The appointment of Senator Abdulaziz Yari to a strategic position in the power sector has understandably reignited conversations about public accountability. These are not discussions that can be ignored, especially where they concern the management of state resources during his years in office,” the statement reads.
CPAA stressed that it is not challenging Yari’s right to private sector positions, but argued that transparency is critical when former public officials assume influential economic roles.
“Our position is clear: anyone who has held high public office owes citizens a duty of openness. Where questions linger regarding public funds or assets, the most responsible course is full disclosure and, if necessary, restitution,” Adebanjo said.
The coalition also specifically called on the Code of Conduct Bureau to make Yari’s asset declarations public from the point of assuming office in 2011 and upon leaving office in 2019, noting that such declarations are constitutionally mandated to reinforce public trust.
“Asset declaration is not punitive; it is a measure of transparency that reassures citizens that our public institutions work as intended,” Adebanjo added.
According to CPAA, Zamfara State continues to face significant development challenges, making accountability for past governance particularly critical.
“Zamfara communities are still grappling with insecurity, weak infrastructure, and poverty. In such circumstances, lingering doubts about the management of public resources cannot simply be ignored,” the statement said.
The coalition noted that the magnitude of the corporate transaction preceding Yari’s appointment at Geregu Power Plc has further intensified public scrutiny, stressing that credibility in both public and private sectors depends on adherence to ethical standards.
“When former governors move into sectors crucial to national development, such as energy and power, the standards of accountability must be even higher. This is about institutional integrity and public confidence, not personal attacks,” the group said.
CPAA called on oversight bodies, including the CCB and anti-corruption agencies, to handle the matter professionally and without political bias.
The coalition said its intervention reflects a broader demand among citizens for transparency, responsible leadership, and the closure of accountability gaps between public office and private influence.
“Addressing these concerns openly will strengthen democratic norms and rebuild trust between citizens and those who wield power, past or present,” the statement added.