Some powerful persons ‘frustrating’ Obono-Obla panel – TheNigerialawyer

The Foundation Against Fraud, Indiscipline and Corruption
(FAFIC) and the Buharists Hangout (BHO) say there are attempts to
frustrate the works of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel
on recovery of Public Property (SPIP).

In a statement, Uche Diala, FAFIC lead, and Efe Williams, BHO
director of operations, said despite the successes being recorded
by the panel led by Okoi Obono-Obla, they are are aware of moves to
hamper or slow down the activities of the SPIP.

The groups said they have kept their searchlight on the
activities of agencies and institutions charged with prosecuting
the anti corruption war, and SPIP has continued to record
milestones in unravelling corrupt conduct.

“We are aware of uncomfortable developments which seem to hamper
or at least slow down the activities of the panel. These include
the take over of certain cases by the Office of the Attorney
General of the Federation,” the statement read.

“Notable among them is the case by the panel against a former
Senator and APC Governorship candidate in the 2019 General election
– Senator Hope Uzodinma of which nothing has been heard
thereafter.

“On August 4, 2019, Punch Newspapers reported that Police
personnel (over 40) drafted to work for the Special Presidential
Investigative Panel on Recovery of Public Property were summoned to
an urgent meeting with the Inspector-General of Police on Friday,
August 2, 2019 vide a letter dated July 31, 2019 and addressed to
the Chairman of the SPIP, Chief Okoi Okono-Obla, with reference
number CB:4001/IGP.SEC/ABJ/ VOL. 114/518. The summons was
reportedly prompted by a petition written by a suspect being
investigated by the panel.

“We are equally aware that yesterday, 10th August 2019, there
was an attempt to shut down the offices of the Presidential Panel
situated at Asokoro Abuja on what was referred to as ‘orders from
above’ on the premise that the Panel has been disbanded.”

They wondered if there are people that are uncomfortable with
the works of the SPIP, asking why the relentless push back against
the SPIP and Obono-Obla.

“Is it because he is stepping on big toes or could it be because
of his (Obono-Obla) religion or where he comes from?” they
asked.

“Is the president aware of all that is going on with and around
the panel? Are we really serious about the war against corruption?
It should be noted that the SPIP is established by the Recovery of
Public Property Special Provisions Act of 2004 and the
responsibilities and powers of the panel are clearly spelt out in
Section 2 (1) a, b, c of that law.”

They called on the president, the police, ministry of justice
and other relevant agencies to urgently investigate the matter with
a view to protecting SPIP and strengthening it to carry out its
duties.

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