• Says Abdulganiyu Unconscionably using companies linked to staff, cronies to fleece public resources
• Abdulganiyu has rejected several FOI Request- Ogakwu
• Hints on Commencing Mass Protests in Coming Week
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A coalition of over 180 civil society groups in Nigeria, Civil Society Groups for Good Governance, has revealed intentions to commence what it termed a massive public protest and rally against the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Jaji Olola Abdulganiyu, over alleged incidences of financial subterfuge and abuse of office.
The coalition also seeking immediate removal of the CG, in a communique signed and made available to newsmen by its President, Comrade Ogakwu Dominic on Tuesday, accused Dr. Abdulganiyu of perpetrating a litany of financial infractions, including siphoning of public funds earmarked for procurement of equipments, vehicles, amongst others via contracts to staffs, cronies and family members and refusing to collect FOIs from concerned organisations, media seeking clarification on the subject matter.
According to the communique, the group expressed utmost displeasure and consternation at the level of corruption and constant abuse of office existing in the agency and is calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate and constructive action to investigate and serve the necessary disciplinary action.
It read: “We are greatly concerned at the level of financial recklessness, subterfuge and abysmal abuse of office in the Federal Fire Service. The level of corruption existing in the agency is one that has in recent time, sent shivers down our spine. The leadership under Dr. Abdulganiyu has failed the test of transparency and accountability especially in its continuous diversion and retirement of public funds through companies linked to staff, cronies and family members. This sharp practices with evidences, has led and still leading to a decline in the agency’s ability to respond effectively to fire emergencies thereby compromising its mandate of providing safety and security for all Nigerians.
“The Federal Fire Service in years before now, has been mired in numerous corruption scandal, yet fresh allegations and infractions has continued to infringe its effectiveness and capacity to carryout duties. As concerned citizens and watchdog of the society, we cannot sit down and watch leaders that have been appointed to serve, neglect the oat they took before assumption, neither can we allow the malfeasance to continue.
“We have resolved to begin a clarion call for Dr. Abdulganiyu’s immediate sack/removal from office, also in the coming weeks if nothing is done by then, we shall carryout a world press conference and public mass protest to further buttress our point and effect the desired changes we seek. The unconscionable use of companies linked to staffs and associates to siphon public funds is in violation of the Public Procurement Act, 2011 & The Code of Conduct Bureau & Tribunal Act. May we also reiterate that this isn’t just any form of unsubstantiated allegation, we have detailed evidences and we are ready to tender all of it in the public domain if need be.” It added.