Kachikwu
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has
sent an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari requesting him to use
his “good offices and leadership position to urgently refer the
allegations of corruption and abuse of office against Mr Maikanti Baru,
Group Managing Director Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)
to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the
Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission
(ICPC) for investigation, and if there is relevant and sufficient
admissible evidence, for him to face prosecution.”
The organisation also urged Buhari to “suspend Mr Baru pending
the referral to the EFCC and ICPC, and the outcome of any investigation
by the anti-corruption agencies in order not to create the impression
that your government is treating Mr Baru as a sacred cow. We urge you
not to allow the allegations against Mr Baru go the way of past
inconclusive investigations of allegations of massive corruption within
the NNPC.”
In the letter dated 5th October 2017 and signed by SERAP executive director Adetokunbo Mumuni the organisation said that,
“The allegations by Dr. Kachikwu constitute grave breaches of the
Corrupt Practices and Other Related Act of 2000; and the UN Convention
against Corruption (UNAC) which Nigeria recently ratified. In
particular, the UN Convention against Corruption imposes clear
obligations on Nigeria to investigate allegations of corruption such as
the present one; prosecute suspected perpetrators and ensure return and
repatriation of proceeds of corruption.”
The letter reads in part: “SERAP is concerned that years of
systemic corruption within the NNPC and looting of Nigeria’s natural
resources have had uneven consequences against the vulnerable groups of
the society, including the poor, women and children, perpetrating and
institutionalising discrimination, and jeopardising the needs and
well-being of future generations. If left unaddressed, the allegations
by Dr Kachikwu have the potential of undermining your government’s
expressed commitment to returning Nigeria to the path of transparency
and accountability.”
“SERAP believes that Mr Baru’s case presents your
Administration with yet another rare opportunity to reassure a lot of
Nigerians who may be worried about the direction of travel of your
anti-corruption agenda. Rather than keeping silent on the matter, we
advise you to use this case to show to Nigerians that no form of
corruption will be tolerated in the NNPC under your watch.”
“SERAP also believes the recommended approach would help to
address the growing public suspicion and pessimism about your
government’s ability to fight high-level official corruption to a
standstill, and to avoid any collateral consequences. It is absolutely
important that the public should have complete confidence and trust in
your Administration’s oft-repeated commitment to fight corruption and
the impunity of perpetrators.”
“SERAP notes the recent allegations of corruption against Mr
Baru by Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of State of Petroleum and
Chairman NNPC Board. In the letter to you Dr Kachikwu alleged among
others appointments and postings in NNPC without due process; award of
contracts above $20m without following the legal and procedural
requirements for such contracts including the Crude Term contracts-
value at over $10 billion; the DSDP contracts- value over $5 billion;
the AKK pipeline contract- value approximately $3 billion; various
financing allocation funding contracts with the NOCs – value over $3bn;
and various NPDC production service contracts – value at over $3
billion–$4 billion.”
To assist the government to achieve this public confidence and
trust, effectively spread the gospel of anti-corruption, and be on the
right side of history, SERAP asked Buhari to implement the following
recommendations:
Urgently refer the allegations against Mr. Baru to both the EFCC
and ICPC for further investigations, and if there is relevant and
sufficient admissible evidence, for him to face prosecution;
Pending the referral to the EFCC and ICPC, to suspend Mr Baru from
his position as Group Managing Director NNPC, pending the outcome of any
investigation by the EFCC and ICPC.
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