…As NCDMB denies allegation, says it is “Bogus and Unfounded”
By Christiana Ekpa
The Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance (CCSGG) has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the alleged misappropriation of 9.9 billion naira by Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
The Convener of the Civil Society, Comrade Okpanachi Jacob who disclosed this while briefing Journalist in Abuja, said, Engr. Ogbe allegedly authorized the payment of 9.9 billion naira for consultancy services without following due process. The contract was reportedly awarded to a consultant through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) without proper documentation or evidence that the consultant had met the necessary criteria.
Further allegations by CCSGG suggest that Engr. Ogbe approved the sum of 503 million naira for a workshop in London, as well as 400 million naira for an end-of-year party, broken down into four tranches of 99 million naira each. Two of these approvals were allegedly for food and finger foods.
The CCSGG has raised concerns about the legitimacy and value of these expenses, particularly in light of the country’s current economic challenges. The coalition argues that these allegations represent a grave breach of trust and a serious violation of public finance management laws.
He said the CCSGG has requested EFCC to undergo a thorough investigation into Engr. Ogbe’s financial activities and the NCDMB’s transactions. He also called for an audit of the NCDMB’s financial records to ensure transparency and accountability.
Furthermore, the coalition urged the EFCC to examine the procurement processes surrounding the consultancy contract to determine if it was awarded in compliance with Nigerian laws. If the investigation confirms any wrongdoing, the CCSGG requested that the EFCC pursue legal action against Engr. Ogbe.
The CCSGG emphasized that their petition was motivated by a desire to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria. They expressed their confidence in the EFCC’s ability to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure that those found guilty are held accountable.
As the EFCC begins its investigation, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the matter unfolds. The allegations against Engr. Ogbe have sparked widespread outrage and concern about the management of public funds in the country.
The CCSGG’s petition to the EFCC is a timely reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges, it is essential that public officials are held to the highest standards of integrity and accountability.
Reacting to the allegation, the
Corporate Communications Department of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB)
denied allegations of financial misappropriation, labeling them “bogus and unfounded.”
According to them
“We urge the media and members of the public to completely disregard the concocted allegations by these desperate individuals,” the NCDMB said in a statement.
The NCDMB described the CCSGG as a “sponsored group” that is “masquerading as a coalition of civil society groups for good governance.”
“We know the sources and sponsors of these attacks on the Board, and in due time, they would be revealed,” the NCDMB warned.
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