In response to demands by some Nigerian youths, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced investigation into the award and execution so far of the Centenary City Project in Abuja.
The contract was awarded by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), under the last administration.
It was learnt that the investigation was demanded by youths, under the umbrella of the Nigerian Unemployed Youth Vanguard (NUYV), who were invited by the EFCC to throw more light on their allegations as the investigation proceeds.
Members of the group, led by their National Coordinator, Comrade Solomon Adodo, to this effect, held a meeting with officials of EFCC at the commission’s office at No 11, Niafunke Street, Off Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja, at about 2::15pm yesterday.
Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, Adodo said the EFCC assured that investigation was ongoing on the matter. “The EFCC has just told us, in its response to our petition, that they were investigating the matter, they were thoroughly looking into it and that they have gone very far on it.
“They just invited us for more enquiries which will avail them of information backed with documentary evidence to show the fraud embedded in the Centenary City project. They also have their facts; I know they will do their work as an agency. And we believe it will turn out in public interest,” he said.
“They just invited us for more enquiries which will avail them of information backed with documentary evidence to show the fraud embedded in the Centenary City project. They also have their facts; I know they will do their work as an agency. And we believe it will turn out in public interest,” he said.
Adodo added that a letter from the Presidency was also sent to his group to assure it and Nigerians that the matter will be investigated.
“I can tell you very clearly that today, we received a letter from the president on this matter. This administration has made a vow to stamp out corruption in the country which has been the root cause of unemployment and poverty in our land.
“I can tell you very clearly that today, we received a letter from the president on this matter. This administration has made a vow to stamp out corruption in the country which has been the root cause of unemployment and poverty in our land.
We have made an inquest, we have made enquiries, we have done searches and we have even petitioned certain quarters to ensure that they act on the matter. They have to thoroughly investigate the matter, to look into the Centenary City, all the frauds embedded there in, the abuse of office and so many other factors.
We have made those documents available to the media and we will still make some of them available to you here and now because it is a contraption of corruption so far as we are concerned. We are aware that the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) Act was not duly followed in ascribing that place as a free trade zone. This is because of some certain vested interests in the Centenary City. We know what will be lost to the nation by virtue of making that place a free trade zone. Aside, NEPZA seal was not appended on the approval,” Adodo alleged.
The Guardian contacted the spokesman to the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren who said he would find out about the petition and get back with information. He was however yet to get back as at press time.
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