{
  "id": 6031971,
  "title": "Yobe N20Billion Project Trail: Sources Accuse Gov Buni Of Backing Wali As Successor To Block Future Probe",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/yobe-n20billion-project-trail-sources-accuse-gov-buni-of-backing-wali",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-06T19:52:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Sahara Reporters",
    "slug": "sahara-reporters",
    "url": "https://saharareporters.com/2026/09/06/yobe-n20billion-project-trail-sources-accuse-gov-buni-backing-wali-successor-block"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sources accuse Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni of endorsing Baba Mallam Wali as his successor in an attempt to shield key officials from scrutiny over billions of naira spent on government projects. According to the SaharaReporters investigation, Wali's emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate is not solely a political calculation, but allegedly linked to his intimate knowledge of administrative processes and how major projects and financial decisions were handled. A former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Wali signed the letter approving several projects, including the International Cargo Airport in Damaturu, with a combined value of approximately N20 billion. The project schedule lists various items, such as airport equipment, market construction, electrification of housing, borehole projects, and consultancy services. One source familiar with the administration stated that Wali's office served as a key channel for project-related decisions and correspondence, while another source described him as the governor's trusted political \"godson.\" The sources argue that the entire project schedule should be examined, tracing funds from approval to payment and execution. They also point out that some projects' pricing and selection raised concerns among officials, potentially creating opportunities for financial diversion. The allegation against Buni is that he wants Wali as his successor to ensure no investigation of the projects and financial decisions made during his administration.",
  "summary": "Yobe N20Billion Project Trail: Sources Accuse Gov Buni Of Backing Wali As Successor To Block Future Probe The allegations have gained renewed attention following a SaharaReporters investigation into a government approval releasing ₦1.5 billion to the Ministry of Transport and Energy for payments relating to the International Cargo Airport, Damaturu.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}