Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the foremost Igbo socio-cultural organization, has called for a full-scale investigation into the alarming report concerning unauthorized payments and expenditures amounting to N4.64 billion during the fiscal years 2020-2021.
The payments were said to have been made under the tenure of Mr Babatunde Fashola, the immediate past Minister of Works and Housing.
Recent revelations from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation have outlined significant discrepancies in the financial dealings handled by Mr Fashola during his tenure.
In a statement sent to journalists on Thursday, November 21, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, stated:
“It is incumbent upon him (Fashola) to clarify these allegations, as transparency is non-negotiable in public office.
“The citizens of Nigeria, particularly Ndigbo, deserve to know the truth of these serious allegations concerning the mismanagement of public funds.
“For clarity, it is essential to highlight that during the fiscal years under scrutiny, the current Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, was in office as the Governor of Ebonyi State from 2015 to 2023.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo asserts, based on verified information and indisputable facts, that Senator Umahi bears no culpability regarding the unauthorized payments and expenditures of #4.64 billion that occurred during Mr. Fashola’s tenure as Minister.
“In our quest for justice and accountability, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has undertaken a thorough forensic investigation into the allegations of misappropriation labeled against Mr. Fashola. ]
“Our findings categorically exonerate Senator Umahi from any involvement in the financial misconduct alleged.”
The group rejected what it called “attempts to conflate Senator Umahi’s commendable work as Minister of Works with the alleged improprieties of his predecessor.”
The organization further stated that the allegations, “which carry significant implications, must not, under any circumstance, be allowed to be brushed aside.”
“Public trust is predicated upon transparent governance, and it is crucial that the EFCC and ICPC engage diligently to fulfil their constitutional obligations in this regard.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo stands ready to explore all legal avenues necessary to compel these agencies to act decisively and oversee a thorough investigation into Mr Fashola’s actions as Minister during these pivotal years.
“It is of utmost importance that Senator Umahi remains focused on his pivotal role in infrastructural development, as he has been tasked with overseeing the rehabilitation of federal roads and has garnered widespread support from the Nigerian populace,” the group stated.
