A whistle blowing civil society organisation, Rescue Nigeria Anti-corruption Network (ReNAN), yesterday, raised the alarm over a director who is serving his 38th-year in the federal civil service against the stipulated 35 years.
This was contained in a statement signed by the National Coordinator, ReNAN, Hon. Engema Jumbo, after thorough investigation into the matter, which alleged that one Mr. Odey Martins, who had refused to go on retirement after completing the mandatory 35 years in service.
The statement reads in part: “Impunity is no more acceptable to the present administration and Nigerians as it used to be the status quo in this country, including the federal civil service.
“We received serious complaints about what was happening in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development over a sitting director, Mr. Martins Odey, who is also the regional director, South-South geopolitical zone. Odey according to our investigation and document made available to us supposed to retire and leave the federal civil service in 2013 but had added another three years in the service.
“Odey had his first appointment on July 14, 1976, and was confirmed on July 14, 1978, and our calculation showed that he had served for over 38 years in the federal civil service.
“This is an aberration and sheer impunity based on his corrupt mindset to defraud the federal government through salary payment and other incentives he keep benefiting under the guise of a regional director.
“We cannot allow this to continue and we call for his investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, including the Minister of State Agriculture, and Permanent Secretary to wade into the matter. Our evidence is enough to prove this issue of corruption in this matter.”
The statement also called on the government to set up committee that will fish out persons like that in the federal civil service in order for those behind them to get promoted to the next level, and also create employment for young Nigerians who are unemployed.
Meanwhile, Odey confirmed that he was at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to rectify the issue levelled against him and denied the allegation.
