By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

ABUJA – Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, Monday, threatened to initiate criminal proceedings against any of the five sacked governors found to have violated paragraph 11 of the 5th schedule to the 1999 Constitution, by failing to declare his personal assets in line with  statutory provisions.

In what appears to be the first major move against the former governors, who were sacked from their offices by the Supreme Court on Friday, CCB, via a press statement in Abuja, yesterday, ordered them to submit their completed assets declaration forms within 30 days or face prosecution.

The affected ex-governors are Timipre Sylva (Bayelsa), Ibrahim Idris (Kogi), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) and Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State.

The statement by Head, Press & Public Relations Unit of CCB, Mrs Iyabo Akinwale, read in part: “The ex-governors are expected to declare their assets at the end of their tenure in office and also do same at the beginning of tenure if re-elected.

“The Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, would like to remind all former governors, recently relieved of their offices, and who are yet to declare their assets on vacation of office in accordance with paragraph 11 of the 5th Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, to do so without delay.

“Those who are yet to be served the Assets Declaration Forms are advised to contact CCB Assets Declaration Department, at 24 Haile Selassie Street, Asokoro and obtain the forms, or at the Code of Conduct Bureau offices in their respective states.

“Completed Assets Declaration Forms are to be returned to the Bureau, at the point of collection, within 30 days of receipt.

“Please note that the declaration of Assets does not end with the submission of forms, as the Bureau would verify such declarations for further necessary action.”