Assets Recovery Appointment: Uwajeh Under Investigation, Says Presidential Panel

Against the backdrop of reactions trailing the
appointment of Evangelist Victor Uwajeh by the Federal Government
to recover stolen funds, the Special Presidential Investigation
Panel for the Recovery of Public Property has said that the private
investigator was under investigation.

The investigation of Uwajeh, it was learnt, was in connection
with allegations that he was yet to appear before Justice John
Tsoho of the Federal High Court Abuja to answer a four-count
criminal charge filed against him by the Federal Government.

A source close to the panel who preferred anonymity told our
reporter on Thursday that Uwajeh was being investigated to
ascertain the truth.

“We are investigating the allegations against Mr. Uwajeh; soon,
we will make our position known on the issue,” the source said.

A legal practitioner, Anayo Adibe had condemned the said
appointment while questioning the credibility of Uwajeh.

In a press statement in Abuja, Adibe said Uwajeh’s character as
at present remained in doubt to hold public office until he
presents himself bona fide to clear his name, and establish that
his character remained in good stead.

Adibe had wondered the rationale behind the appointment in view
of a four-count criminal charge pending against Uwajeh at the
court.

“It presents a great obstacle to the intellect to fathom the
reasons for and ramifications of Victor Osita Uwajeh’s proposed
appointment to a Federal Government office as a ‘consultant on
asset recovery.’

“The gentleman – l use the label merely in respect of formal
convention – in question is, until he presents himself bona fide to
clear his name, and establish that his character remains in good
stead.”

“This is public business and we as honest members of the
Nigerian public retain the right to scrutinise those who are
mandated to act on our collective behalf,” the lawyer stated.

Frowning at the appointment, Adibe stated that Uwajeh has so
egregiously refused to stand trial and provide himself the
opportunity to clear himself of his charges.

Against the backdrop of reactions trailing the
appointment of Evangelist Victor Uwajeh by the Federal Government
to recover stolen funds, the Special Presidential Investigation
Panel for the Recovery of Public Property has said that the private
investigator was under investigation.

The investigation of Uwajeh, it was learnt, was in connection
with allegations that he was yet to appear before Justice John
Tsoho of the Federal High Court Abuja to answer a four-count
criminal charge filed against him by the Federal Government.

A source close to the panel who preferred anonymity told our
reporter on Thursday that Uwajeh was being investigated to
ascertain the truth.

“We are investigating the allegations against Mr. Uwajeh; soon,
we will make our position known on the issue,” the source said.

A legal practitioner, Anayo Adibe had condemned the said
appointment while questioning the credibility of Uwajeh.

In a press statement in Abuja, Adibe said Uwajeh’s character as
at present remained in doubt to hold public office until he
presents himself bona fide to clear his name, and establish that
his character remained in good stead.

Adibe had wondered the rationale behind the appointment in view
of a four-count criminal charge pending against Uwajeh at the
court.

“It presents a great obstacle to the intellect to fathom the
reasons for and ramifications of Victor Osita Uwajeh’s proposed
appointment to a Federal Government office as a ‘consultant on
asset recovery.’

“The gentleman – l use the label merely in respect of formal
convention – in question is, until he presents himself bona fide to
clear his name, and establish that his character remains in good
stead.”

“This is public business and we as honest members of the
Nigerian public retain the right to scrutinise those who are
mandated to act on our collective behalf,” the lawyer stated.

Frowning at the appointment, Adibe stated that Uwajeh has so
egregiously refused to stand trial and provide himself the
opportunity to clear himself of his charges.