A Socio Political group, the Assembly of Patriots International (API) has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to launch a full-scale investigation into allegations of abuse of office, diversion of public funds and unlawful enrichment levelled against former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA), Mr. Abayomi Hunye.
The group made the call during a press briefing held in Abeokuta on Friday, following a petition reportedly submitted to the ICPC by the Democratic Integrity Forum.
Addressing journalists, the Coordinator of API in Ogun State, Kazeem Soliu said the allegations against the former OGWAMA boss raised serious concerns about the management of public resources and warranted a thorough investigation by anti-graft agencies.
According to him, the petition alleged that during his tenure as head of OGWAMA, Hunye abused his office by facilitating the award of contracts and procurement transactions to companies allegedly linked to members of his immediate family and close associates.
Soliu said the allegations bordered on abuse of office, conflict of interest, violation of procurement laws, unlawful enrichment and diversion of public funds.
He further alleged that preliminary information available to the petitioners suggested that more than two billion naira may have been diverted through a network of accounts and corporate entities allegedly linked to the former OGWAMA chief and members of his family.
“We are concerned that individuals entrusted with public offices continue to exploit the privilege for selfish interests. If indeed these allegations are true, then the anti-graft agencies should conduct a thorough investigation,” Soliu stated.
He added that the group had also commenced an independent inquiry into the allegations and would examine the financial status of the former agency boss before and after his appointment.
API urged the anti-corruption agencies to obtain procurement records, banking documents, account statements and other financial records relating to Hunye, his family members and companies allegedly linked to them.
