The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has embarked on an investigation to unravel serving and former government officials and appointees that breached the country’s Asset Declaration Law.
Those who have failed to comply or made false declarations intentionally to deceive the agency and others who are yet to declare their assets and other sundry matters are the major target of the probe.
In the CCB dragnet are three former governors, nine former ministers, 14 former legislators, 17 former heads of parastatals at both federal and state levels, including local government chairmen are under investigations for alleged graft offences.
A commissioner in the bureau said letters of invitation had been sent to the affected persons to report to the CCB headquarters or face the wrath of the law.
The commissioner said the move is to give the officials of former appointees the opportunity to clarify their assets acquired. He said the properties and humongous bank accounts in both local and offshore illegally acquired and connected to them, family members, and close associates will be investigated.
“Accordingly, the defaulters are expected to be thoroughly interrogated, if at the end of the findings, they are culpable for breaches or non-compliance, they will be charged before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, which might lead to the confiscation and forfeiture of the ill-gotten wealth, assets, properties to the federal government and the convicts are liable not to hold public office for maximum of 10 years.
“This new drive by the CCB is part of the resolve of the leadership to enforce the law which has been trampled upon by a section of the political class, appointees and public servants.
“This new partnership and collaboration with sister anti-graft agencies has the endorsement of Mr. President, who has given his nod as a result of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“It is on record that Mr. President himself was a one-time guest and invited by the CCB, which led to his appearance before the Code of Conduct Tribunal that finally discharged and acquitted him.
“It is, therefore, mandatory for every concerned citizen affected by the Code of Conduct related laws to submit themselves to the Bureau for scrutiny, interrogation and proper investigation in order to uphold total compliance.
“It is on record that former governor and Senate president Bukola Saraki was also docked at the Tribunal by the Bureau for non- compliance until he was discharged and acquitted accordingly
“Amongst the personalities expected to appear before the CCB are former executive secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrims, three former governors, legislators, ministers and a former boss of a maritime agency are to appear before the bureau for interrogation, investigation, compliance and due diligence,” he said.
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