Group Calls on Anti-graft Agencies, Wike to Probe FCTA Director over Alleged Abuse of Office

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT) weekend, called on anti-graft agencies and the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to investigate the Executive Director, Procurement of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mr. Onsachi Musa Idris, for allegedly owning and running private companies while in active service against extant rules.

The anti-graft agencies include the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
In a statement signed by NACAT’s Executive Director of Investigation, Oghenedoro Tega in Abuja, the group accused  Idris of alleged violation of public rules and abuse of office.
NACAT said findings by it showed that Idris did not declare his companies to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) as stipulated by the law while holding public office.

“NACAT’s findings revealed that Onsachi  Idris, the Executive Director, Procurement, of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and some of his members have interest as directors in the companies: Hollywood Films, Television and Creative Arts Institute Limited – RC 1280962 – registered on 14th August 2015 and El-Meela Heritage International School Limited – RC – 1282658, registered on 24th August 2015.

“But he did not declare them in his assets and liabilities declaration forms with the Code of Conduct Bureau, in compliance with the law.
“Paragraph 1(1) of Part 1 of the 5th Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, as amended, mandates public office holders whether elected, appointed, recruited, contracted etc., by whatever name called to file their assets and liabilities declaration forms/returns with the Code of Conduct Bureau in respect of themselves, spouse and children under the age of 18 years and above,” he stated.

The group maintained that by not declaring the company, it  believed that Idris may have used his influence to interfere with the procurement procedures and processes thereby influencing contracts to the company and denying other companies of fair processes.
The group further threatened to take legal action if the right authorities failed to probe Idris for the alleged offence.

“As an NGO with a mandate to fight corruption and various anti-corruption war to our credit, we are concerned that such an official would be allowed to continue in the service without appropriate investigative action and/or punitive actions taken against him.
“That is why we are calling on the relevant agencies to begin probe of the director,” it said.

NACAT particularly asked the FCT Minister, Wike, to immediately suspend Idris from office pending the investigation of its allegation to forestall hiding of information that will be relevant to the case.

“We do not understand how a director will own a school as well as another company and instead of resigning from his federal government job to face his private businesses, he chose to run it side by side.

“Hence Idris should not be spared for violating the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ” NACAT stated.