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From Fred Itua, Abuja
The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has embarked on a marathon investigation to unravel government officials and appointees who served the country in various capacities, but breached the code of conduct laws of the federation.
Those who failed to comply or those who made false declarations intentionally to deceive the agency, and those who are yet to declare their assets and other sundry matters are being targeted.
Daily Sun gathered that in the anti-graft bureau about three former governors, nine former ministers, 14 former legislators, 17 former heads of parastatals at both federal and state levels, including local government chairmen, are under investigations for alleged graft offences.
A commissioner confided in Daily Sun that letters of invitation have been sent to them to immediately report to the CCB headquarters or face the consequences. He said the move was to avail the accused persons the opportunity to clarify their assets. He said the properties and humongous bank accounts, in both local and offshore, illegally acquired, and connected to them, family members and close associates, will be investigated.
“Accordingly, the defaulters are expected to be thoroughly interrogated; if, at the end of the findings, they are culpable for breaches or non compliance, they will be charged before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, which might lead to the confiscation and forfeiture of the ill-gotten wealth, assets, properties to the federal government of Nigeria, and the convicts are liable not to hold public office for maximum of 10 years.
“This new drive by the CCB is part of the resolve of the leadership to enforce the law which has been trampled upon by a section of the political class, appointees and public servants. This new partnership and collaboration with sister anti-graft agencies has the endorsement of Mr. President, as a result of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“It is on record that Mr. President, himself, was a one time guest and invited by the CCB, which led to his appearance before the code of conduct tribunal that finally discharged and acquitted him. It is, therefore, mandatory for every concerned citizen affected by the code of conduct related laws to submit themselves to the bureau for scrutiny, interrogation and proper investigation, in order to uphold total compliance.
“It is on record that former governor and Senate president, Bukola Saraki, was also docked at the tribunal by the bureau for non-compliance until he was discharged and acquitted, accordingly. Amongst the personalities expected to appear before the CCB are former executive secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrims, three former governors, legislators, ministers and a former boss of a maritime agency.”
