Corruption: CCB Invites Commissioner, Others in Edo State

By Correspondent

The Code of Conduct Bureau has invited some members of Edo State Executive Council and Chief accounting officers of Edo State Government.

The development is contained in separate letters addressed to the affected persons by the anti-corruption agency. All the letters were dated September 4, 2023.

One of the letters, titled – Investigation Activities: Request for Information, was addressed to Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The letter reads in part: “The Bureau is investigating a case of alleged breach of Code of Conduct for Public Officers where some officials of Edo State Government featured.

“In view of the above, you are kindlyrequested to furnish the Bureau with the certified True Copy (CTC) of the following documents in respect of Hon. Monday Osaigbovo, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairsand the Director Finance and Accounts,Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Edo Stateon or before 22nd September, 2023.”

The documents requested by CCB are CTCs of Letters of the mentioned officers; CTCs of Letters of Acceptance of the mentioned Officers; CTCs of Record of Service of the Director Finance and Accounts; CTCs of Pay slips of the the officers; CTCs of payments made to Edo State Traditional Rulers by Edo State Government and Local Government Councils from January 2023 to date, and finally, CTCs of payments of Benin Traditional Council Statutory Allocations from January2023 to date.

CCB intimated those invited that the exercise is in pursuant to the mandate and power of the Bureau as enshrined in the 3rd Schedule, Part 1, Paragraph 3(e) to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended; similarly, Section 137(a) and (b) and 138(a) and (b) Penal Code Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 and Section 104 of evidence Act 2011.

The invitation was signed on behalf of CCB Chairman by Gavimi, S.P., the Director in charge of Intelligence, investigation and Monitoring.

Midwest Herald has also obtained a copy of the correspondence by CCB headquarters, directing the zonal office in Edo State to forward “Certified True Copies of Completed Assets Declaration Forms of those that are involved in the investigation to Abuja.

“The Bureau is investigating a case where the under-listed subjects featured., therefore, you are kindly requested to make available Certified True Copies (CTC) of the Completed Assets Declaration Forms filled by them.”

Our search further shows that the various anti-corruption agencies may have compiled a comprehensive list of key players in Edo State Government.

A member of the CCB, Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma confirmed the developing investigation to Midwest Herald last night. “Yes I can confirm to you that the Bureau has received some petitions relating to public officers and public servants in Edo State and the agency has written to some of the persons that were mentioned to respond to the allegations

“It is an ongoing exercise and everyone will be given the opportunity to provide answers for questions that have been raised.

“When investigations are completed, the agency will charge those found culpable to court.” The CCB Board member stated.