Follow Us on Google
… allegations unfounded-Bereau
From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
Fresh controversy has erupted at the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) as Abuja-based lawyer, Barr. Fatai Amokeoja, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), demanding an immediate probe into alleged procurement fraud in the agency.
A copy of the petition, which was made available to Journalists on Tuesday, was also sent to the Presidency and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
In the document, Amokeoja accused the BPP of corruption, abuse of office and persistent violations of the Public Service Rules, insisting that President Bola Tinubu and the country’s anti-graft agencies must move quickly to restore integrity to the institution.
He alleged that a minister compromised the agency under its Director-General, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, through the supply of a bulletproof vehicle purportedly used to circumvent procurement laws, a situation he said undermines due process and threatens the nation’s anti-corruption drive.
The lawyer further demanded that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) release all records relating to the procurement and allocation of the bulletproof Toyota Land Cruiser, including budget approvals, tender processes, due-process certifications, payment documents and allocation registers. He argued that without transparency on the vehicle’s procurement trail, the credibility of government institutions would continue to deteriorate.
Other News
In the petition, Amokeoja stated that the allegations are weighty and backed by reported direct statements from the BPP Director-General, describing them as verifiable issues bordering on corruption, influence peddling and improper application of public funds. He stressed that immediate investigation is necessary under the Renewed Hope Agenda to safeguard public trust and reinforce the administration’s anti-corruption stance.
He also urged the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to compel the BPP boss to declare his assets as required by law and to make public the exact date of such declaration in order to determine whether there has been any breach of Public Service Rules. According to him, failure to thoroughly examine the concerns raised could erode confidence in ongoing anti-corruption reforms and weaken the integrity of public administration.
Amokeoja called on the EFCC to scrutinise the financial dealings surrounding the procurement, including any possible unlawful enrichment, gratification or diversion of public funds. He urged the ICPC to investigate alleged abuses of power and rule violations within the agency. He also asked the CCB to verify all asset declarations submitted by the Director-General and members of his household, while pressing the FCTA to provide all procurement and allocation documents relating to the bulletproof vehicle. He further appealed to the Presidency to ascertain whether any presidential aide had knowledge of or involvement in the allocation in order to protect the integrity of the highest office.
Reacting to the petition, the BPP spokesperson, Zira Nagga, said the allegations were unfounded, adding that the agency had already issued a statement to debunk them.
“They have invited them now. We have even sent out a release to debunk the allegations. The contractors mentioned have also published a newspaper notice, and they said they will take those who published the claims to court. Everything is under control, and the allegations are false,” he said.
The Bureau of Public Procurement, established under the Public Procurement Act 2007, is responsible for regulating procurement processes across federal ministries, departments and agencies.
