The house of representatives has vowed to be transparent in it’s investigation as well as curb dishonest officials from the public Services.
In his opening speech, HON. GINGER ONWUSIBE, (Lead Chairman) of the joint investigative hearing committee on the alleged N15million involving Idris Ekuneye also known as Bobrisky and the EFCC officials as well as the Correctional facility where he was to have served his term after conviction for naira abuse as well as money laundry, promised to conduct a very thorough investigation to ascertain the truth about the matyer.
The speech reads..
“I welcome you all to this very significant investigative hearing on allegations of corruption leveled against the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service by Mr. Okuneye Idris Olarenwaju, a popular Nigerian cross dresser also known as Bobrisky”.
“It was reported that during his recent incarceration, Mr. Okuneye Idris Olarenwaju (Bobrisky) was allegedly given separate accommodation outside the facility of Nigerian Correctional Service due to financial inducements of some personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service”.
“It was also reported that some EFCC operatives demanded the sum of ₦15 Million Naira as a bribe to give Mr. Okuneye Idris Olarenwaju (Bobrisky) what is termed, ‘soft landing’ in his case”.
“Worthy to note again, is another financial inducement of an alleged ₦10 Million Naira to the Falanas in their offer to Mr. Okuneye Idris Olarenwaju (Bobrisky) to facilitate his release through the Minister of Justice using Presidential pardon”.
“Flowing from the above it is very clear that these allegations of corruption are weighty controversy against two of the nation’s key agencies, that are symbols of national integrity, honour and discipline, hence we all must be ready to give the fullest cooperation as we try to get to the root cause or unravel the facts of the matter”.
Fellow Nigerians, you may agree with me that this development is very dangerous to the image of our country and democracy among the comity of nations, which calls for careful investigation, diligent analysis, and sober reflection.
In the course of our work and looking sincerely at terms of reference, we should be able to expose corrupt activities and risks; need to keep the public sector honest, transparent and accountable; curb dishonest practices; and ensure public sector employees act in the public interest.
The danger of corruption in any public agencies cannot be overemphasized, for it can result in financial losses; damage to employee morale; damage to its reputation, and lead to focus and resources being diverted away from delivering core statutory rules and services to the country.
“Corruption is an insidious plague that has a wide range of corrosive effects on societies. It undermines democracy and the rule of law and leads to violations of decent societal values. Widespread corruption deters investment, weakens economic growth, and undermines the rule of law. Corruption undermines public trust in authority, which can lead to civil unrest and unnecessary political dislocations and tensions.
“Today, we seek thorough probe into these allegations of corruption in the Nigerian Correctional Service and the EFCC; an unconditional and comprehensive investigation into these damning allegations. You will agree with me that these allegations are reprehensible behaviour, highest form of indiscipline, unprofessionalism, which must be confronted with absolute zero-tolerance and severe consequences for the would-be culprits. Therefore, our job as a committee is to engage in unconditional and comprehensive investigations of the allegations specified above.
“In fiercely resisting this scandal which has caused serious rupture within the concerned two national agencies, this committee will not tolerate any compromise on its core values of integrity, transparency, and accountability, as we must be thorough and unbiased in our investigation.
“In the face of these bruising challenges l implore us all to pay adequate attention in upholding valuable guidance, practical strategies and vigorous perspectives to ultimately prescribe reasonable advice to relevant stakeholders and punishment as a deterrence to others in future.
Hon. Ginger appreciated the confidence reposed on the committee and promised to carry Nigerians along as the 10th assembly is committed to delivering the dividend of democracy.
“At this point, l want to deeply appreciate the confidence reposed on the Committee and to state without mincing words that the 10th House of Representatives under the able leadership of Rt. Hon. Abass Tajudeen is committed to the best global practices in delivering democratic dividends to Nigerian people, hence the prompt emergence of this special investigative exercise”.
CONCLUSION
As a committee, we must be able to put on our moral armour to crack severely the foundation of these weighty and devastating allegations, to try and rescue the federal agencies involved from the brink of unprecedented danger and ridicule.
Finally, we should also be able to evolve a strategy to jointly prescribe the culture of true professional ethos within the Nigeria Correctional Services and the EFCC.
God bless you all and happy deliberations.