Thursday, 12 November 2015

Ex-permanent secretaries to face trial for alleged corrupt practices


Barely 24 hours after they were retired, five of the affected 17 federal permanent secretaries may face trial for alleged corruption.
One of those slated for trial has been interrogated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Another, who is rated as brilliant, allegedly indulged in using public funds for exotic vehicles, foreign trips and outrageous hotel bills.
It was also learnt that two of those involved were linked to alleged bribery scandals.
The retired Perm Secs include Aliyu  Ismaila; Godknows Igali; Alhaji Baba Farouk; Abdulkadir Musa; Linus Awute; Fatima Bamidele; Obinna John Chukwu; Ezekiel Oyemomi; Anasthesia Nwaobia; Tunji Olaopa; George A. Ossi ; Mike John Nwabiala; Mohammed Bashar and Abdullahi Yola.
The fate of four others was unknown yesterday as they were either not given retirement letters or put on the list of those deployed.
The floating permanent secretaries are: Odusote Ibukun; Henry Akpan, Nkechi Ejele and Dr. James Obiagwu.

According to investigation, the Presidency was disturbed by security reports that many permanent secretaries embezzled public funds with impunity and were living above their means.
The intelligence survey also revealed massive acquisition of property by permanent secretaries and top directors in the civil service.
It was gathered that the security reports were confirmed by the disclosures in some books by Governor Nasir El-Rufai and a former Permanent Secretary, Dr. Goke Adegoroye.
Some of the allegations being probed include acquisition of choice properties; $4.5b tax holidays;   N1.9billion Ebola Fund(including N900million for isolation tents); $2billion arms deal; N29billion fictitious contracts; N275.5million budget for 2015 poll monitoring; the mismanagement of subsidy funds; questionable waivers and N2.4 billion fertiliser scam.
A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “About five of the retired permanent secretaries might face trial based on discreet investigation by some security agencies on how they mismanaged their ministries.

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