The Centre for Public Accountability (CPA), in collaboration with other civic organisations, has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into allegations of financial misconduct involving the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe.
In a press statement signed by Dr. Ebenezer Oladapoon on Saturday, the CPA expressed concerns over the alleged misappropriation of N7.7billion ($4.7million), which it claims was spent without proper authorisation or adherence to procurement regulations.
According to the group, the expenditures exceeded the approval limits of the Ministerial Tenders Board (MTB) and were processed through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) without clear justification.
The CPA alleged that the payments in question were made to a consultant without verifiable proof that any services were rendered or funds were recovered in exchange for the disbursement.
The organisation further accused the NCDMB of becoming a "cesspool of corruption," citing repeated violations of procurement laws and financial mismanagement.
The organisation emphasised that it would not stand idly by while public officials entrusted with the nation’s resources engage in reckless financial misconduct.
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It called on the Nigerian government to uphold transparency and accountability in managing public funds.
The group issue a seven-day ultimatum for the commencement of a thorough probe into these allegations.
It noted that if no substantial steps taken within this period, the Centre for Public Accountability would mobilise all legal and civic mechanisms at their disposal to ensure that those responsible were held accountable.
The statement reads in part; "The Centre for Public Accountability (CPA) in partnership with other Civic groups, expresses deep concern over recent allegations of financial misconduct within the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), specifically the misappropriation of the sum of N7.7 billion ($4.7 million) without requisite approval from the appropriate authorities, as mandated by relevant procurement protocols and policies.
"It has come to our attention that the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, authorised these expenditures in a manner that flagrantly disregarded procurement regulations and exceeded even the approval limits of the Ministerial Tenders Board (MTB).
"What is most troubling is that these payments were processed through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) without any verifiable evidence that the consultant, to whom the funds were allegedly paid, had indeed recovered the funds that warranted such a significant financial outlay.
"The NCDMB has, in recent times, become a cesspool of corruption, as various contracts and financial transactions by the agency have consistently violated procurement laws and due process. These disturbing revelations further undermine the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to tackling corruption and ensuring accountability in public institutions.
"In light of these grave allegations, our groups call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to, without delay, institute a comprehensive and independent probe into the financial activities of the NCDMB, particularly under the current leadership.
"We are determined to escalate this matter by petitioning the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other relevant agencies to unearth the acts of corruption allegedly being perpetrated within the NCDMB.
"We hereby issue a seven-day ultimatum for the commencement of a thorough probe into these allegations. If no substantial steps are taken within this period, the Centre for Public Accountability will mobilise all legal and civic mechanisms at our disposal to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
"We will no longer stand by while public officials entrusted with the nation’s resources engage in reckless financial misconduct without consequences. The Nigerian people demand transparency, accountability, and justice, and we will persist in our mission to ensure that public funds are managed with integrity and in strict adherence to due process."
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