Scout council suspends Awunah, three others for misconduct, abuse of office

The National Scout Council (NSC) has suspended its immediate past Chief Commissioner, Mr Dave Papados Awunah, and three other officers following allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and financial impropriety.

This decision, announced in a letter jointly signed by Dr Obinna Anyaoha, Secretary, and Mr M. B. Umar Muhammad, Chief Commissioner, was reached during an Extraordinary General Meeting of the NSC held in Abuja.

The suspension affects Awunah, the immediate past National Executive Commissioner, Mr Babatunde Oyetayo; the Edo State Scout Commissioner, Mr Emmanuel Eseine; and Nigeria’s African Committee representative, Mr Chidi Ihemedu.

According to the NSC, this action is intended to facilitate a thorough investigation into the allegations levied against these individuals, which are currently under scrutiny by anti-corruption agencies.

The council also ordered a comprehensive probe into its accounts and formally requested that the association’s accounts be frozen pending the conclusion of the investigation.

Furthermore, the council expressed its confidence in the newly elected leadership and urged them to initiate efforts to restore the Scout Association of Nigeria’s reputation.

In line with recommendations from the World Scout Bureau’s Africa Support Centre, the council resolved to engage an independent external firm to conduct a financial audit covering the period from 2019 to 2024.

The suspended officers are prohibited from representing the National Scout Organisation (NSO) in any capacity until the investigations are concluded. The NSC also cautioned the public against engaging in any transactions with them regarding the association. The letter stated, “We remain fully committed to restoring the integrity and reputation of the Scout Association of Nigeria.”

It stressed adherence to the principles of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM), the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the best interests of the nation’s scouts.