Alleged N4.6bn Fraud: Ohanaeze Demands Fashola’s Probe
Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called for a comprehensive investigation into the actions the former Minister of Works and Housing, Barrister Babatunde Fashola over alleged unauthorized payments and expenditures of N4.6bn during 2020-2021 fiscal year.
In a statement issued by the Secretary General of the body, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasized that these allegations, which carry significant implications, must not, under any circumstance, be allowed to be brushed aside as public trust is predicated upon transparent governance.
The body also exonerated the current Minister of Works David Umahi, noting that during the 2020-2021 fiscal year under scrutiny, Umahi, was in office as the Governor of Ebonyi State from 2015 to 2023.
According to them, “Recent revelations from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation have outlined significant discrepancies in the financial dealings handled by Mr. Babatunde Fashola during his tenure.
“It is incumbent upon him to clarify these allegations, as transparency is non-negotiable in public office. The citizens of Nigeria, particularly Ndigbo, deserve to know the truth of these serious allegations concerning mismanagement of public funds”.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo hereby issues a resolute call for a full-scale investigation into the alarming report concerning unauthorized payments and expenditures amounting to #4.64 billion during the fiscal years 2020-2021, which have been attributed to Mr. Babatunde Fashola, the immediate past Minister of Works and Housing”.
Isiguzoro said that Ohanaeze Ndigbo has undertaken a thorough forensic investigation into the allegations of misappropriation labeled against Mr. Fashola and therefore reject any attempts to conflate Senator Umahi’s commendable work as Minister of Works with the alleged improprieties of his predecessor.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo asserts, based on verified information and indisputable facts, that Senator Umahi bears no culpability regarding the unauthorized payments and expenditures of #4.64 billion that occurred during Mr. Fashola’s tenure as Minister.
“The organization emphasizes that these allegations, which carry significant implications, must not, under any circumstance, be allowed to be brushed aside. Public trust is predicated upon transparent governance, and it is crucial that the EFCC and ICPC engage diligently to fulfill their constitutional obligations in this regard”, he noted.
The apex body said it was ready to explore all legal avenues necessary to compel these anti-graft agencies to act decisively and oversee a thorough investigation into Mr. Fashola’s actions as Minister during these pivotal years.
