Activists Urge ICPC to Release Report of Corruption Probe of Radiography Registration Board

Segun James

Some civil rights activists have appealed to the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) to release the report of its investigation of the allegation of corruption levelled against the Radiography Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN), a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Health.

ICPC had earlier this year quizzed some management staff of the RRBN over allegations of misappropriation of funds and other alleged corrupt practices levelled against the Registrar, Prof. Mark Okeji.

Some of the allegations include embezzlement of COVID-19 fund, over-inflation of contracts, including that of the Enugu Zonal Office building; use of unqualified contractors for execution of projects; and violation of procurement policies.

The Registrar was also accused of spending huge sums of money on vehicles above the maximum approved limits for the agency.

The Registrar was also accused of buying a house in Abuja that is alleged to be worth more than his legitimate earnings for six years at the agency.

One of the affected officials who was invited was said to have resigned after she was confronted with the weighty allegations.

While the Registrar did not respond to phone calls and WhatsApp messages, another top official of the agency who pleaded anonymity, confirmed that he was invited over the allegations but denied any wrongdoing.

“Yes, I was invited by ICPC to explain something about the allegations and I have submitted my statement that I was not involved in any embezzlement. I don’t know anything about it,” he said.

He however confirmed that one of his colleagues who was also questioned resigned when confronted with evidence.

Reacting to the allegations, human rights defence activist, Comrade Moses Ajibo, in a short statement, praised the ICPC for its doggedness in the fight against corruption.

He urged the agency to release the report of its investigation and charge those who have questions to answer in court.

“I use this opportunity to call on the ICPC to publicly tell Nigerians the outcome of their investigation of the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria following the allegations before the commission,” Ajibo said.

Also speaking, civil rights crusader, Comrade Obinna Anachuna, hailed the ICPC for its achievements in the war against corruption.

“I respectfully call on the ICPC to release the outcome of the investigation of corrupt practices levelled against the Radiographers Board about four months ago. This will enhance the confidence Nigerians have on the President Bola Tinubu-led administration,” he added.