CSO laments EFCC, ICPC silence on ex-NiMET DG’s corruption probe

A civil society organization, Coalition to Save Education in Nigeria (COSEN) has criticised the silence of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices (and Related Matters) Commission (ICPC) concerning the corruption allegations against a former Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) Prof. Sani Abubakar-Mashi.

In a statement, COSEN’s Director of Operations, Kamsi Ezenwa, lamented that despite several petitions against Abubakar-Mashi, thr anti-graft agencies were yet to take action on the former DG.

Ezenwa claimed that during the period leading to his removal in early 2021, Mashi was regularly visiting the anti-graft agencies to answer to allegations of fraud, embezzlement and violating public service rules, among other things.

“The most damning of the petitions, according to credible sources in one of the anti-graft agencies, was the one reportedly filed by one Mukhtar Sirika, which immediate consequence is believed to be directly responsible for Mashi’s sudden sack, only a few months after his tenure had been renewed.

“An Aviation sector publication, Nigerian FLIGHTDECK has similarly reported that Mashi was alleged to have diverted COVID-19 funds approved for NiMET, engaged in reckless depletion of the internally generated revenue of the agency and awarded of inflated contracts without due approval,” Ezenwa said.

He said COSEN is worried that almost four years after his sack and “tons of evidence” against him, Mashi has not been made to account for“several, serious allegations” against him.

He called on the two anti-corruption bodies to do the needful and ensure that within the shortest possible time, cases against Mashi are given the full attention that they deserve and the law is allowed to take its course.

Ezenwa stated that it was unfortunate, unacceptable and a matter of concern that persons with questions to answer are allowed to hold or aspire for positions of responsibility.

He said this in direct reference to Mashi’s recent unsuccessful bid to become vice chancellor of the University of Abuja.

“Persons with dubious or tainted past, and those under investigation for graft and alleged financial misconduct must be barred from vying for elective and appointive positions, as this is against public morality and the public good, and is a violation of the principles of natural justice, equity and good conscience,” Ezenwa added.