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November 21, (THEWILL) – The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on the anti-graft agencies including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commissions (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to step up their responsibilities by probing Babatunde Fashola, the former Minister of Works and Housing.
A statement by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Thursday, said the probe became necessary following recent allegations surrounding unauthorised payments and expenditures totalling an alarming sum of N4.64 billion during the fiscal years of 2020-2021.
According to him, findings by the body exonerates Senator Umahi, as it is abundantly clear that he was neither in the picture nor part of the nefarious activities leading to the audit query against Mr Fashola.
The statement reads, “The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, wishes to unequivocally raise its voice in response to the recent allegations surrounding the unauthorised payments and expenditures totalling an alarming sum of N4.64 billion during the fiscal years of 2020-2021, attributed to Mr Babatunde Fashola, the former Minister of Works and Housing.
“In light of the investigative findings from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls for a comprehensive and transparent inquiry into this matter, spotlighting the necessity for accountability and integrity in our leadership.
“It is imperative to clarify that during the fiscal years in question, the current Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, was serving as the Governor of Ebonyi State from 2015 to 2023.
“The timeline clearly delineates that Senator Umahi was not implicated in any capacity regarding the questionable financial transactions perpetrated under Mr Fashola’s stewardship as Minister. As an organisation that prioritises truth and justice, Ohanaeze Ndigbo firmly states that there is no substantive evidence linking Senator Umahi to these unauthorised financial dealings.
“Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, affirms that our body has diligently pursued a forensic investigation into these disturbing allegations of malfeasance. Our findings categorically exonerate Senator Umahi, as it is abundantly clear that he was neither in the picture nor part of the nefarious activities leading to the audit query against Mr Fashola.
“It is our conviction that these allegations serve not only to cast an unjust shadow on an accomplished leader, but also to undermine the critical work being undertaken by the Federal Ministry of Works under Senator Umahi’s oversight.
“As we advocate for justice and ethics in governance, it is essential that the anti-graft agencies, namely the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), step up their responsibilities.
“We demand that they thoroughly investigate the allegations surrounding Mr Fashola’s tenure and ensure that accountability prevails. The time for complacency in the face of financial impropriety has long passed; it is now crucial that these issues be addressed with the seriousness they merit.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is poised to take legal action if necessary, to compel the anti-graft agencies to fulfill their constitutional duties. The people of Nigeria, and particularly the Igbo community, have an unyielding right to expect diligence and integrity from their government officials. Senator Umahi should be insulated from undue distractions stemming from misleading narratives that seek to implicate him in matters wholly unrelated to his conduct or responsibilities.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the notable works that Senator Umahi has undertaken in reconstructing and rehabilitating key federal roads across our nation. These contributions towards national development have instilled confidence in his leadership, and Nigerians recognise him as a beacon of hope in infrastructure governance.
“In summary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo stands resolute in demanding a full and impartial inquiry into the actions of Barrister Babatunde Fashola regarding the dispensation of public funds.
“We exonerate Senator Dave Umahi from any wrongdoing in connection with the N4.64 billion audit query and call upon the relevant authorities to act swiftly and judiciously. Let us ensure that truth and justice prevail for the sake of all Nigerians”, he said.
Sunday Ogbu is a professional journalist with eight - twelve years experience that had worked with various print and online media. Sunday specializes in news reporting with the aim of educating his readers on current social, political and economic occurences within his area of coverage. Sunday is a strong force to work with in the media industry and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Sunday is inspired daily by his wife and their four children. In his free time, Sunday likes sight-seeing, reading and discussing issues of societal interest.
