The Chairman
Justice Mustafa Akanbi
Independent Corrupt Practices &
Other Related Offences Commission
Constitution Avenue
Central District, Abuja, Nigeria
I am writing regarding the above matter. In your determination to fight corruption in all its ramifications in both high and low places irrespective of who is involved, your attention should be drawn to Gov. Igbinedion's financial recklessness.
Nobody including Gov. Igbinedion should be treated like sacred cows, or not exempt from investigating of corruption, fraud and misappropriation of Public funds.
The allegations are as follows:
Gov. Lucky Igbinedion claimed to have spent N200million on dredging Ikpoba River. The contract was awarded to his brother (Bright Igbinedion and his in-law). The said contract was never executed after over N400 million was paid to the contractors. A paltry N24 million was refunded. The people of Edo have been short-changed.
Gov. Igbinedion borrowed N1 billion from the capital market for the purpose of building over 200 buildings for the Iyekogba Housing Programme. The State government currently pays an estimated N36 million monthly in interest, which is deducted at source. Till date only 10 buildings have been completed.
Gov. Igbinedion used his in-law (Mr Osunde a stock broker in Lagos) to arrange for the N1billion loan. All States bank headed by Mr Omoghodion a brother of the Edo State commissioner for finance is also involved.
Edo Line transport Ltd situated at James Watts Street in Benin City Edo State since July 1999 has been remitting N10 million monthly to the State Government. Over N340 million can not be accounted for. The budgeting procedures are not being used. The former MD Elder Amos Osunbor was party to this arrangement
The Federal Government undertook the late Justice Apkata's burial. To our horror and amazement Gov. Igbinedion spent N17 million of taxpayers money for the same event.
Governor Igbinedion spent over N15 million to clear 5 motorcycles. Sir, this defies financial logic.
Governor Igbinedion recently leased 18 Peugeot 604 vehicles for the interim or caretaker local government chairmen. These vehicles were leased at N200, 000 per month from UniBright Motors owned by his brother Bright Igbinedion. This reckless action cost the taxpayer over N3.6 monthly.
The National Sports Festival tagged Edo 2002 cost N1.2 billion, the government budget for the event was N800million. The Governor suspended his director of sports and commissioner for sports. The Governor has been silent on the issue of the missing N400 million. The same commissioner that was suspended indefinitely is currently heading Gov. Igbinedion re-election
campaign.
Awarding contracts without budgetary provision, approval and cash backing.
Governor Igbinedion fraudulently acquired property in London for £2.5 million through his fronts. He also acquired properties in Benin City using his wife Eki Igbinedion as a front.
Governor Igbinedion compelled Local Government chairmen to donate N2 million monthly to his father Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion.
Gov. Igbinedion colluded with the Chairman of Bendel Brewery Mr Sunny Uyigue to defraud the Edo State's share to the tune of N250million.
Without budgetary provision, approval and cash backing Gov. Igbinedion withdrew N50 million to attend the world cup 2002 in Japan.
Without budgetary provision, approval and cash backing Gov. Igbinedion withdrew N68 million for the celebration of his father's birthday
Without budgetary provision, approval and cash backing Gov. Igbinedion withdrew millions of Naira to organise the Benin Monarch's honour for the Governor Dec 2001.
These are very serious allegations that merit your attention.
I am copying this letter to C. I. Onuogu (Mrs), Legal Adviser/Head of Prosecution
Guides
