Following alleged corruption to the tune of N13 billion and threat to life of a whistleblower, Reverend Kallamu Musa Ali Dikwa, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisation against Corruption in Northern Nigeria (COCSOCINN), has called for the immediate removal and prosecution of the Managing Director of North East Development Commission (NEDC), Mohammed Goni Alkali.
The coalition stated this in a petition signed by its National Spokesperson, Pastor Dr. Sani Abdullahi to Mr Alkali, titled, Urgent Petition for dismissal of the Managing Director of NEDC and advocacy March on June 4, 2024, dated May 23, 2024 and a copy of which was sent to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Senate President.
Others copied in the petition include, Speaker of the House of Representatives, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences (ICPC) and Chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and made available to the media, saying the demand for the removal of Mr. Alkali is in the best interest of the long-suffering individuals in the North East and Nigeria as a whole.
The coalition has said it is already mobilizing here members across the North for an advocacy March on NEDC on June 4, 2024 to press it’s demand for the immediate removal and prosecution of the Managing Director.
The petition reads in part, “The Coalition of Civil Society Organisation against Corruption in Northern Nigeria (COCSOCINN) with a profound sense of urgency and concern wishes to bring to your attention regarding the alarming misconduct and threats associated with the current leadership of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) which you are heading.
“This petition seeks your immediate dismissal as the Managing Director of the NEDC due to serious allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and direct threats to the life of one of our members Reverend Kallamu Musa Ali Dikwa of Center for Justice on Religious Ethnicity Nigeria
“As a whistleblower and an advocate for justice, Rev Dikwa had uncovered substantial evidence indicating that the Vice President, with the assistance of the Managing Director, illicitly withdrew N13 billion from the NEDC as alleged. According to Rev. Dikwa, this significant misappropriation of funds had not only undermined the commission’s mission but had also jeopardized the welfare of the region it serves.
“The information and evidence regarding these financial irregularities were initially disclosed through a press release where he detailed the exploitation of the NEDC by certain political leaders. The press release explicitly mentioned that the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, allegedly withdrew a staggering N13 billion from the NEDC without the knowledge or consent of President Bola Tinubu.”
Meanwhile, on the alleged threat and intimidation of the whistleblower, the coalition said, “Following these revelations, Rev Dikwa had been subjected to relentless threats and intimidation, which he strongly believes were orchestrated by individuals within the NEDC and their political allies. He has received numerous threatening phone calls and have been physically assaulted on multiple occasions in Maiduguri and other locations. These threats are clearly aimed at silencing him and dissuading further exposure of the corruption within the commission. The threats escalated significantly after Rev. Dikwa formally requested a statement of accounts from the NEDC to substantiate his claims. This request was allegedly met with refusal and subsequent threats from individuals linked to the Vice President and the Managing Director. On March 22, 2024, he received a phone call from Samaila Ayuba, who threatened him directly and suggested that he retracts the letter to the President or face dire consequences. These threats have made it clear that there is a concerted effort to suppress the truth and maintain the status quo of corruption and mismanagement within the NEDC.”
On the Impact on the North East Development Commission, the petition said, “The actions of the current Managing Director have severely compromised the integrity and effectiveness of the NEDC. The funds that were illicitly withdrawn were intended for crucial development projects aimed at rebuilding and revitalizing the North East region, which has been ravaged by conflict and underdevelopment. Instead, these funds have been diverted for personal gain, leaving the region and its people to suffer the consequences. The continuation of such corrupt practices within the NEDC undermines public trust and confidence in the commission’s ability to deliver on its mandate. It also sets a dangerous precedent that allows for the exploitation of public resources for personal enrichment, further entrenching poverty and underdevelopment in the region.”
The petition further reads, “COCSOCINN wishes to raise our concern over the blatant misuse of procurement processes, contract inflation, and various other infractions been committed by Alkali within the NEDC. It is truly mind-boggling what has been occurring at the NEDC. We appear to be living in an era of proxy stealing. How can one explain a scenario where the managing director’s son holds the position of top contractor? He acts with impunity, and all major deals in the commission are solely handled by him.
“Without fear, COCSOCINN can confidently reveal that Mohammed Goni Alkali has diverted billions of funds from the NEDC’s coffers. There is little to show for his years of stewardship – only a number of small-scale projects heavily publicized by the media.”
“Furthermore, it is alleged that Alkali refused to declare his assets upon assuming the position of managing director of the NEDC. We possess evidence that he disregarded the requirement to declare his assets. This flagrant violation is a telling reflection of how he has managed the NEDC. Can such an individual, without regard for existing laws, be effective in serving our country?
“Consider the interventions made by the NEDC and the immense funds it has received. There is an astonishing lack of infrastructural initiatives, and those affected by the Boko Haram insurgency have been neglected and exploited by the managing director and his accomplices, notably his son.
Meanwhile, the coalition said, Mohammed Goni Alkali is unsuitable to lead the NEDC. Ironically, being from the North East, one would expect him to demonstrate sincerity in his dealings, but this is certainly not the case. He has amassed wealth and assets in the federal capital territory and Kaduna worth billions.
“It was a grave error by President Bola Tinubu to have reappointed him, as his actions will only tarnish his administration. Such individuals are even worse than the devil. It is incredulous that a person could have the conscience to divert funds meant to alleviate the suffering of those affected by conflicts.
“Consider his authorization of the withdrawal of N5 billion from the commission’s account to purchase military vehicles without obtaining board approval. Who conducts themselves in such a manner? What does this imply? Can he justify the disappearance of over 100 billion from the NEDC’s coffers?
“It is imperative that President Bola Tinubu rectifies this mistake. The president was misguided in believing that Mohammed Goni Alkali was a suitable candidate for the role of managing director of the NEDC. The only appropriate course of action is his immediate removal and a subsequent investigation by the anti-corruption agencies into his tenure. Nigerians will be astounded by the revelations regarding the grave infractions committed by an individual who continues to roam freely. Contract splitting, fund diversions, non-existent contracts, de facto contractors, and many other offenses have been uncovered.”
“It is worth noting that the House of Representatives initiated an investigation into the alleged infractions committed by the NEDC managing director towards the end of the previous administration.
“Given the gravity of these allegations and the clear evidence of threats and intimidation, we are calling for the immediate dismissal of the Managing Director of the NEDC. It is imperative that the commission is led by individuals of integrity who are committed to transparency, accountability, and the genuine development of the North East region. Furthermore, to raise public awareness and advocate for justice, an advocacy march will be held on June 4th, 2024. This peaceful demonstration will begin at the National Assembly and conclude at the NEDC headquarters. The march aims to highlight the ongoing corruption within the NEDC and call for the immediate removal of the Managing Director.
“We urge all concerned citizens, civil society organizations, and stakeholders to join us in this march to demand accountability and ensure that the NEDC is returned to its rightful purpose of serving the people of the North East.
“The continuation of the current Managing Director in office poses a significant threat to the integrity of the NEDC and the safety of whistleblowers and advocates for justice. The evidence presented clearly demonstrates a pattern of corruption and intimidation that cannot be ignored. We trust that you will take this petition seriously and act promptly to address the issues raised. The people of the North East and Nigeria in general deserve leadership that is committed to their welfare and development, not individuals who exploit public resources for personal gain.” the coalition said.
