The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has been formally petitioned to launch an investigation into the allegations of bribery involving members of the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee.
This committee is currently tasked with probing alleged job racketeering and mismanagement of the Integrated Personnel Payment Information System (IPPIS) within Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
It is alleged that committee members have been extorting bribes from universities, polytechnics, and various MDAs.
The development follows a statement from Engr Yahaya Mohammed, Chairman of the Committee of Federal Polytechnics’ Rectors, who expressed his lack of awareness regarding the allegations directed at the House of Representatives members.
A recent investigation by Premium Times, published on Tuesday, unveiled a troubling revelation. The investigation exposed that certain committee members demanded financial contributions from university vice chancellors and heads of tertiary institutions in exchange for leniency or favorable treatment.
This revelation has ignited a major controversy, raising concerns about the integrity of the committee’s proceedings.
On Thursday, Rep Yusuf Gagdi, the chairman of the House of Representatives committee, engaged in an interface with vice chancellors and rectors.
During this meeting, he disclosed that he had already taken action by involving the ICPC in response to the bribery allegations.
Gagdi affirmed that he had written a formal letter to the ICPC, urging them to investigate the bank account mentioned in the allegations and determine whether any transactions involving university vice chancellors, polytechnic rectors, and leaders of tertiary institutions had taken place.
Rep Gagdi also conveyed a stern warning that legal actions could be pursued against the online platform responsible for publishing the allegations.
He accused the platform of attempting to tarnish the committee’s reputation by means of “blackmail and discredit.”
Meanwhile, Engr Yahaya Mohammed, who also serves as the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, vehemently denied any involvement in the alleged bribery.
Speaking during the interface with the House Committee, Mohammed stated that this was his first interaction with the committee and that he had not received any account number or related information from any member of the committee.
He emphasized his commitment to transparency and truthfulness, even affirming his willingness to take an oath to substantiate his claims.
As the ICPC considers the petition and the controversy continues to unfold, the integrity of the investigative process and the credibility of the committee are at the forefront of public concern.
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