The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have launched investigations into contracts awarded from 2021 till date by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council (NPC), Mr. Francis Nwosu.
TheHintsNews reports that the anti-graft agencies in separate letters addressed to Nwosu followed a petition against the Executive Secretary by some aggrieved staff of the Council.
The aggrieved staff had last year petitioned both ICPC, EFCC the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Minister of Information and Culture over what they described as administrative lawlessness, high handedness, gross abuse of office, and alleged corruption perpetuated by Nwosu.
They alleged that: “In 2021, the procurement process for all the projects was a complete charade as it was hijacked by an external body under the directive of the Executive Secretary, manipulated, and failed to meet the due process requirements while the award of contracts was based on cronyism and self-interest.
“For example, available evidence suggests that the Certificate of No Objection with which the 2021 capital projects were executed was illegally procured thereby causing the process to be uncompetitive which is against the provisions of the Procurement Act. In fact, the 2021 Certificate of No Objection was obtained in a questionable circumstance which needs to be investigated to reveal all that was done by the ES and his surrogates.”
However, the ICPC in its letter dated 20th June, 2023, with reference number: ICPC/OPS/CPTG/114/2023, titled, “Investigation Activities: Notice of Invitation/Request for Documents/Contact persons”, was signed by HM Hassan, Head, CEPTD, and was received on 27th June, 2023.
It reads: “The Commission is investigating allegations concerning the violation of the provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and it has become imperative to obtain information and records from your office.
“Pursuant to Section 28 of the above cited Act, you are hereby requested to direct and release a competent officer to appear before the undersigned at the Commission’s Headquarters, Central Business District, Abuja on 3rd July, 2023 at 10.00 hours for interview.
“The designated Officer is to come along with documents stated below in respect of the Constituency/Capital projects hereto attached.
“Contract files for the projects; Evidence of payment for the projects; Evidence of financial releases from government for the projects;Bids documents in respect of the projects v. BOQ/BEME; Any other relevant document in respect of the above.
“Additionally, you are further requested to release and direct competent officer(s) who can speak and guide the Commission’s field officers in tracking the projects.
“Your submission in this regard should contain the contact details of the nominated officer(s). please.
“While the Commission urges your prompt response, accept please, the assurances of the Honourable Chairman’s highest regards.”
Similarly, the Abuja Zonal Command of EFCC in its letter addressed to Nwosu with reference number: CR:3000/EFCC/ ABJ/ZN/CT GI-PS2/TA/VOL.04/153, signed by Adebayo Adeniyi and dated 22 June, 2023 was received by the Council on July 3, 2023.
It reads: “The Commission is investigating a case and the need to obtain certain clarification from your office has become imperative.
“In view of the above, you are kindly requested to furnish the following information.
“List of awarded contracts for the year 2021 till date; The contract files of the companies that were awarded the contracts; Any other information that may assist the Commission with its investigation.
‘This request is made pursuant to Section 38 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004. Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited please.”