NDDC: Buhari Told To Remove Akpabio, Set Up Panel To Probe Him

Good governance and human rights group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to suspend Godswill Akpabio, Niger Delta Minister over damning allegations levelled against him.

Former managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Joy Nunieh, had, among other things, accused Akpabio of perpetrating illegalities, nepotism and sexual harassing her.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group also gave the president 14 days to constitute a presidential panel to probe corruption allegations in the commission and prosecute those implicated.

The rights group warned that Buhari’s refusal to heed it call would lead to instigation of legal proceedings against his government.

SERAP demanded that witnesses and whistle-blowers be protected and the findings of the investigation should be made public.

“Where there is relevant admissible evidence, suspected perpetrators should be handed over to appropriate anti-corruption agencies for prosecution”, it noted.

The group noted that Nigerians were keen to see development and prosperity in the Niger Delta and demand that Buhari takes the lead to get to the bottom of the allegations.

“A special panel to probe allegations of corruption in the NDDC, and that is able to work closely with anti-corruption agencies, would protect the integrity of the forensic audit, remove the possibility of obstruction of justice, and interference in the process by those suspected to be involved in alleged corruption in the NDDC.”

Also Read: NDDC: Akpabio Drags Nunieh To Court Over Sexual Harrassment Claim

The group averred that the investigation by the National Assembly has been controversial, and has turned into a ‘dirty fight with the agency.

“Any perception of politicisation and bias in the investigation of the corruption allegations in the NDDC would undermine public trust in the process, and ultimately, the public interest and good government, as well as justice for the victims of corruption in the Niger Delta.

“A decisive action is needed by you and your government to stop the corruption in the NDDC, ensure that anyone suspected to be responsible is brought to justice, and to fully recover stolen, mismanaged or misappropriated public funds.”

Buhari was asked to send a strong message of intolerance for grave corruption in the NDDC, and show that he is willing and able to enforce important constitutional, statutory and international principles and obligations.

Also Read: NDDC Probe: What Commission’s Ex MD, Nunieh Told House Of Reps Panel

SERAP also enjoined Buhari to instruct security agencies to put a stop to the hounding of Nunieh, or any other witnesses and whistle-blowers.

“Suspected perpetrators will escape justice if witnesses and whistle-blowers are intimidated, harassed or threatened. Effective investigation and prosecution will not be achieved if such crucial participants in the investigation are not sufficiently protected to perform their roles unimpeded”, it added.

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