THE Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has set machinery in motion for thorough investigation of allegations of corruption levelled against the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dimeji Bankole.

Before now, the Commission had probed the alleged mismanagement of N5.2 billion Rural Electrification project and allegations of fraud on N2.3 billion purchase of cars for members.

Vanguard gathered that the ICPC Chairman, Justice Emmanuel Ayoola has set up a special unit to probe the allegations of mismanagement of N9billion being capital vote of the House at the instance of some aggrieved members who referred to themselves as the Progressives.

The petition from this aggrieved group got to the Chairman’s  at noon on Wednesday.

Another group known as Socio-Economic and Accountability Project, SERAP, had also petitioned the ICPC to commence instant investigations into the allegations by the Progressives against the House Leadership as a means of returning transparency and accountability to the National Assembly.

SERAP and the Progressive group specifically asked ICPC not to gloss over the allegations against the House Speaker, especially the approval the leadership gave for purchase of four units of Range Rover Jeeps, three units of Mercedes Benz S-600 cars for the use of the Speaker and his Deputy valued at N335, 500,000.

It also asked the ICPC to look into the allegation that the House leadership purchased LCD 40 Samsung LNS 341 for members valued at N525,000 per unit, allegedly “above the market price for the product, put at N180,000 per unit”

The groups said while investigations into the allegations became necessary, the ICPC should equally ensure that it concluded the investigations into previous allegations against the Speaker, especially an allegation that some members of his family were beneficiaries of contracts on National Rural Electrification project.

When contacted the ICPC Resident Consultant on Media and Events, Mr. Folu Olamiti, confirmed the receipt of the petitions and assured that the commission in its usual style would quietly and effectively do a good job on the issue.