A startling revelation unfolded on Monday as Haruna Kolo, a former Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) desk officer at the Federal Character Commission (FCC), admitted to accepting bribes from job seekers in exchange for employment opportunities.
In a shocking twist, Kolo implicated the FCC Chairman, alleging that he had received over N75 million at her behest.
During the ongoing investigative hearing conducted by the House of Representatives ad hoc committee probing mismanagement of the IPPIS, Kolo detailed his involvement in the bribery scheme.
He disclosed that the FCC Chairman instructed him to orchestrate the illegal transactions, directing funds to his personal account and later making cash payments in her residence.
Kolo, who resigned from the FCC in November 2022 to join the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, divulged the unsettling circumstances of his dual salaries.
Despite his transition to another organization, he continued to receive payments from the FCC, leading him to report the anomaly to the Human Resource Officer, who assured him of rectification.
In a dramatic revelation, Kolo recounted his role in job racketeering, asserting that he facilitated employment processes for job seekers under the FCC Chairman’s instructions.
He explained, “No one could go there without a letter from the Chairman or Human Resource Officer of the FCC.” Kolo further detailed that the Chairman’s directive required her signature on all employment letters before they could be processed.
Kolo’s testimonies brought to light a complex web of alleged corruption, including his involvement in securing positions for individuals through illegal means.
He implicated another individual, Shehu, a personal driver and Personal Assistant to the Taraba State Commissioner, who reportedly played a role in facilitating financial transactions related to job placements.
Amidst the investigation, Kolo acknowledged the impact of the allegations on his life, revealing threats and fearing for his safety.
He cautioned the committee, “I want this committee to know that after this sitting if anything happens to me, the FCC chairperson should be held responsible.”
Yusuf Gagdi, Chairman of the committee, expressed commitment to uncovering the truth behind these allegations, vowing to hold individuals accountable for any embezzlement of taxpayer funds.
The committee adjourned the hearing to continue its pursuit of justice, with Kolo set to return to testify further on Tuesday.
As the investigation progresses, the Nigerian public eagerly awaits more insights into the alleged corruption and misuse of power within the Federal Character Commission.
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