…Accuses bad leaders of inflicting pain, anguish on Nigerians

By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – The Oduduwa Development Initiative (ODI) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to initiate investigations into corruption allegations involving former leaders of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria.

During a briefing in Abuja, ODI’s Publicity Secretary, Oladahunsi Ayobami, made a pointed appeal to the anti-corruption bodies, urging them to take swift action against former officials accused of misusing their positions.

Ayobami emphasized that such actions would contribute to enhancing transparency and accountability within governmental organizations, thereby moving Nigeria in the right direction.

He claimed that the corruption allegations levied against some former heads of MDAs, and the resultant protests, are too significant and sensitive to be ignored.

He stated, “We wish to call on the attention of the EFCC and ICPC to as a matter of national importance expedite action on the arrest and prosecution and investigation of heads of agencies that have been fingered in corruption cases. We urge the EFCC and ICPC to without fear or favor do the needful in this regard.”

Ayobami further expressed that the alleged corruption has had dire consequences on the Nigerian populace, contributing to the poverty that plagues the nation today.

“The pain and anguish which these perpetrators of corruption have inflicted on the masses are direct consequences of their actions,” he added.

Among those mentioned were Dr. Vincent Isegbe, the former Controller General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS), and a former Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC).

However, Dr. Vincent Isegbe has vehemently denied these allegations.

Through his spokesperson, Chigozie Nwodo, Isegbe described the claims as “sponsored and baseless,” emphasizing his adherence to ethical standards and regulations during his tenure.

“There is no gross misconduct, high profile corruption, or trade against government policy as alleged,” Nwodo stated on behalf of Isegbe.

“As the pioneer Comptroller General of the Quarantine Service, Dr. Isegbe ran his administration in strict compliance with Public Service Rules and all extant federal government regulations.”