A group, Conference of Civil Society for Transparency and Accountability, COCTA, has flayed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for what it described as foot dragging on its petition against alleged maladministration by the Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale Adedokun.
COCTA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Olumuyiwa Onlede, and the General Secretary, Haruna AbdulSalam, in a statement issued in Abuja, expressed disappointment that “the EFCC appears to have allowed certain forces in the BPP compromise investigations on its petition against Adedokun.”
Noted the coalition, “From our earlier peaceful protest at the EFCC office to the formal submission of a petition detailing allegations against the BPP leadership, it would seem that the anti-graft agency, owing to certain political considerations, has turned a blind eye to the issues raised in our petition.”
Continued the group, “We are disturbed by this inaction, particularly given the gravity of the allegations and the constitutional responsibility of anti-graft institutions to protect public trust and ensure the proper use of public resources.
“In light of this development, and in line with our mandate to speak for citizens without a voice, COCTA has resolved to escalate its advocacy actions and will not rest on our oars until those who have abused public office are brought to book,” assured the coalition.
COCTA announced it’s plan to stage a peaceful protest at the headquarters of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where it will submit a fresh and formal petition.
“Since the EFCC has betrayed the confidence reposed in it, we shall approach the non-political ICPC and demand a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the activities of the BPP Director-General and his Chief of Staff.”
Added the group, “We had out of respect for President Bola Tinubu shelved our initial plan to take our protest to Mr. President’s residence in Bourdillon, Lagos. This should not be interpreted as a weakening of our resolve to put an end to strange happenings at the BPP.
“We reaffirm that the struggle for transparency, accountability, and good governance is ongoing. Our advocacy will continue through lawful, peaceful, and sustained civic actions.
“As resolved, COCTA’s next phase of engagement will commence next week at the headquarters of the ICPC,” the coalition declared.