A civil society organisation, CSO, the Coalition of Civil Society Network, CCSN, has called for immediate investigation, and prosecution if found culpable, of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs Evelyn Ngige, by Nigerian anti-graft agencies.
Making reference to ongoing investigation by the Nigerian Police Force of alleged fraudulent procurement process involving Mrs Ngige, bordering on the flagrant breach of the Procurement Act, during the purchase of Maikano Utility Vehicles by the ministry, the CSO said that “after series of engagements, investigation revealed to us that she contravened the Procurement Act, Section 21 and 58(4) (d) (5) respectively.”
In a press statement made available to CompassNG, CCSC said, “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 stated that the Procurement Bureau are not aware.”
Commending the Nigerian Police Force for its efforts to ensure strict compliance with the public procurement guidelines and adherence to due process, CCSN said that it remained pertinent to call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and other anti-graft agencies to swiftly investigate Mrs Ngige for further prosecution.
It said, “Handing the matter over to Nigerian anti-graft agencies remains the best available option and will serve as deterrent to other erring public officials.
