Misappropriation of Public Fund: Coalition Group Calls For Immediate Investigation Of Mrs. Evelyn Ngige By EFCC
ABUJA – Coalition of Civil Society Network has called for the immediate investigation and prosecution of Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investments, Mrs. Evelyn Ngige over breach of the Procurement Act during the purchase of some Utility vehicles by the ministry.
The group accused the Permanent Secretary of unilaterally approved and released fund for the purchase of the vehicles without due process and informed the Bureau of Public Procurement which according to them contravened the Procurement Act, Section 21 and 58 (4) (d) (5) respectively.
The coalition disclosed this in a press release signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Zakari Hashim and issued in Abuja on Monday.
Zakari commended the Nigeria Police for their efforts to ensure strict compliance with public procurement guidelines and adherence to due process.
He, therefore, called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-graft agencies to further investigate Mrs. Ngige.
“Our attention has been drawn to the ongoing investigation by the Nigerian Police Force over the fraudulent procurement process involved by the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Industry, trade and investments Mrs Evelyn Ngige over breach of the procurement act during the purchase of some Maikano Utility Vehicles by the ministry.
“After series of engagements, investigation revealed to us that she contravened the procurement act, section 21 and 58(4) (d) (5) respectively.
“We are perplexed that the Bureau for Public Procurement was not duly informed as the document available to us clearly state that the Procurement Bureau are not aware.
“Handing the matter to Nigeria Anti-Graft agencies remains the best available option and will serve as a deterrent to other erring public officials.”
