ICPC under Fire for Shielding Corrupt NEXIM Director

For failing to investigate allegations and several petitions levelled against an Executive Director at the Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM), Mrs. Folake Salami, a civil society organization, Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has taken a jab at the ICPC and its head, Bar. Nta Ekpo [pictured above]. 

The organisation which made this known in an open letter to the president signed by its Executive Director, Oche Elaigwu, has also demanded that the president relieves the ICPC boss for suspected complicacy as well as protecting suspected corrupt officers.

The Centre said it has severally submitted detailed petitions proving the fact that Mrs. Salami had falsified records and also lied under oath to be appointed in the capacity in which she now occupies, but the Commission refused to look into the matter. 

Speaking further, the organisation said it had instituted a law suit against the ICPC at a Federal High Court in Abuja where an ‘Order of Mandamus’ was issued compelling the Commission to investigate the matter, however the Commission has flouted the court order and is still adamant in its resolve to ignore the Salami issue.

“We instituted a law suit against the ICPC at the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja and secured an Order of Mandamus compelling the anti-graft agency to perform their duties by bringing Mrs. Salami to book. 

Up till this moment, the Chairman of ICPC has chosen to place the interest of Mrs. Salami over and above the interest of Nigeria as a nation by flagrantly refusing to obey the Order of Mandamus.”

CESJET has further demanded that the president to take out the same treatment done to the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), by overhauling the whole Commission to rid it off compromised officers in order not to taint his anti-corruption war which according to them is already yielding fruits.

“Your Excellency Sir, it is obvious that Barrister Nta Ekpo lacks what it takes to work under your present administration which is anchored on change of the hitherto corruption-friendly regime. 

“He lacks integrity and can only lead the ICPC to doom.

“We therefore call on you to overhaul the ICPC by first removing the Chairman in the manner you did in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),” it read in part.

By Abdul Sule, Abuja