A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), on Tuesday, alleged witch-hunt by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), in the fight against corruption.
This was contained in a joint statement signed by leaders of the coalition, The President, Competent Governance for Accountability and Civic Trust (CGACT), Comr. Omoba Micheal; Deputy National Chairman, Urhobo of the South-South Youth Peace Mission (USYPM), Comr. Godwin Erheriene Oghenero; and Executive Director, Beyond Boundaries Legacy Leadership Initiative (BBLLI), Comr. Omaga Daniel.
The coalition alleged that the Commission is not playing according to the rules of the anti-corruption fight under the Buhari-led administration, because of not following due process.
According to the group there are cases that show the ICPC has not done thorough investigations over alleged fraud committed by some organizations.
The statement reads in part, “We the Coalition of Civil Societies are using this medium to call on the presidency for an overhaul of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, as the anomalies recorded in recent time is far more than the right they have recorded under this present leadership.
“This record is not good for a growing nation like Nigeria as it will discourage many well-meaning Nigerians both within and outside the country, who intend to contribute their own quota to the development of this nation. We are having growing worries over the too many ‘unprofessional acts’ being displayed by the commission, just to score cheap political points.
“We are not unaware of the recent misinformation on some organizations which are too important to this nation and sensitive but being dragged to the mud by ICPC.
“One is the issue of Pinnacle Communication and National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) regarding the Digital Switch Over (DSO) which when completed will generate $1 billion annually for the Nigerian television industry according to the Minister of Information and Culture.
“It is so apparent that the issue of ICPC fighting the company handling this magnificent project is against the interest of the nation, as it is obvious, because the petition alleging of the sum of N2.5 billion to Pinnacle Communication by NBC without due process, thereby making it a baseless and factual media trial and also place a “post no debit” on the account of Pinnacle Communication with Zenith Bank Plc.”
Meanwhile, the group also alleged that, “ICPC has current issue of alleged indictment of the MD/CEO of Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET), Marilyn Amobi, which has really cut the attention of many because of the misinformation coming again from ICPC.”
In giving instance on the alleged witch-hunt by the Commission, the group said, “The story claimed that the alleged ICPC report was dated February 6, 2019. And as at April 10, 2019, two days before the ICPC publication, NBET staff was at the ICPC office to provide additional document to the commission on the said issue. Why are they saying they have concluded the investigation since February 6, 2019?
“ICPC should be more professional in its fight against corruption instead of this their media trial strategy which they are using to dent the image of some well-meaning Nigerians who are trying their best to see this Nation be at par with best globally.”
