A coalition of civil society organisations in Rivers State is demanding that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission investigate corruption allegations against the Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Muheeba Dankaka.
Recall that the House of Representatives Committee assigned to investigate the issue has yet to deliver its report despite being tasked with the job over a year ago.
During the committee’s hearing, which was led by Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau), 14 witnesses testified about paying money to a former IPPIS desk officer at the FCC, Haruna Kolo, for job placements.
Kolo, during an interrogation, admitted to collecting money from job seekers and claimed to have handed it over to Dankaka.
In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, the Chairman of the Rivers State Civil Society Organisation, Enefa Georgewill, said, “The EFCC and ICPC must prosecute these corruption allegations, and anyone found guilty should be held accountable.”
He criticised the House of Representatives for its inaction, urging the anti-graft agencies to demonstrate their effectiveness beyond handling minor cybercrimes.
Georgewill added, “Since the House of Representatives has failed to submit its report, it is now up to the EFCC and ICPC to show that they are committed to fighting corruption.
“Individual committee members should publicly address the current status of the investigation.”
On his part, Chancellor of the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights, Jackson Omenazu, expressed frustration over the situation, stating, “The corruption within the Federal Character Commission is severe and is negatively impacting many Nigerians.”
He criticised the failure to ensure “national spread” in employment across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, noting, “This is why someone with 200 in JAMB may not gain admission, while someone with 160 might. Such issues contribute to the country’s growing unrest.”
Omenazu also called for transparency, saying, “It is unacceptable to use public resources for an investigation only for the findings to be withheld. The report must be made public. Nigerians should not be misled by oversight functions that are not transparent.”
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