Senators, Reps listed as FG suspends officials in MDAs over billions in project infractions

Several officials serving in different Ministry Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government have been suspended for issues bordering on project infractions running into billions of naira.

According to a report by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), recoveries in cash and assets between 2019-2022 are in billions of naira over the last 5 phases of its projects tracking across the country.

ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare made this revelation on Saturday in Abuja while reacting to a report tagging the commission as a ‘toothless bulldog’.

According to Bakare, among the ongoing legal proceedings is a notable N22million contract scam currently under litigation at the Federal High Court in Makurdi, Benue State which he noted emphasized the ICPC’s proactive approach to addressing corruption at all levels of society.

Bakare disclosed that the ICPC has conducted thorough investigations into alleged infractions by members of the political class, including Senators and members of the House of Representatives, especially regarding the execution of federal government-funded constituency projects, to foster accountability and ethical conduct in public service.

“Additionally, cases are being pursued in federal high courts located in Abuja, Plateau, Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, Bauchi, and Nasarawa States, demonstrating the breadth and depth of ICPC’s operations.”

He said more than 200 contractors over the last five phases of the projects tracking, have been compelled to return to complete long abandoned projects, adding that the commission has also made recoveries in cash and assets between 2019-2022 running into billions of naira.

“In the interest of our “common sense” anti-corruption crusade, ICPC will always strive to get public projects delivered to the people, in the right quality and for the right”value for money”, so as to change the daily experiences of the average Nigerians about governance. For the Commission, this is the essence of effective anti-corruption campaign.

“In due course, the Chairman of the Commission will be addressing the media to provide more insights into ICPC’s operational activities regarding its numerous anti-corruption initiatives.

“It should be noted that the results of Phase 6 of ICPC projects tracking/CEPTi, which is larger in value than the last 5 phases combined, is ready with detailed analysis of the 2024 Budget indicating discoveries such as budget duplications, inserted projects among others.

“Finally, the ICPC is using this medium to set the record straight, emphasizing its substantial contributions to delivering good governance, prompting beneficial public ethics and recovering several trillions of Naira into the Federal Government’s coffers.”

Bakare urged media organisations to adhere to professional journalistic standards by verifying information before dissemination, adding that the ICPC will enforce the law with integrity but will not succumb to engaging in media trials or undue entertainment of any type.