Renowned Rights Group, Global Forum for Accountability has tasked the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr Mohammed Adamu, on the posers surrounding the N475 million allegedly donated to the police for the purchase of face masks and hand sanitisers.
The said sum was allegedly given to the police by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the purchase of face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
Coordinator of the organisation, Mr. Joseph Ambakederimo, who wrote through the organisation’s lawyers, said Global Forum for Accountability was requesting clarification on some “obscure facts surrounding the donation of the COVID-19 palliatives pursuant to section 1 of the Freedom of Information Act 2011 laws of the federation.” .
The group asked the IGP to explain ’’ where, when and how’’ the face masks and hand sanitisers totalling N475 million were donated, insisting that the silence of the police could be misinterpreted for connivance.
“How much was actually released to the police by the NDDC, when was the money released to the police and was it released in cash, cheque or electronic fund transfer ?
“Where was the money presentation ceremony done? Who represented the IG at the presentation ceremony?
“Where was the money presentation ceremony done? Who represented the IG at the presentation ceremony?, he asked.
Ambakederimo stressed that the information was needed to aid the National Assembly currently investigating the expenditure of the NDDC with a view to determining if the agency had delivered on its mandate to the people of the region.
“Consequently, our clients humbly request that you graciously avail us the information required in paragraph 3(a-f) to enable them present their facts to the National Assembly to aid their investigation of the alleged embezzlement of funds in the NDDC’’.
“Our clients’ authority to make the above request is predicated on section 1(1), (2),(3) of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2011 laws of the federation of Nigeria.
“Please take this letter as notice given to you under the Act and provide the required information to us in seven days from the date of service of this letter in line with the provisions of section 4 of the FOI act 2011 laws of the federation.”