CMPA Suspects AGF Ahmed Idris Used IPPIS for Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) Ahmed Idris over an N80 billion fraud. This arrest is one among the many high profile arrests conducted by the anti-graft agency. What baffles every right thinking member of the society is the spate of arrest by the agency, selectivity in the fight, delay in prosecution in spite of daunting evidence(s), and the possibility of political interference or worst still, presidential pardon.
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The Centre for Media, Policy and Accountability (CMPA) as a national non-governmental organisation that works in the areas of public policy and accountability, is concerned by this development. We are of the humble opinion that the arrest is insignificant if it is not speedily tried and prosecuted with stiffer punishment. It is no longer a secret that many top Nigerians have been arrested at a point by the EFCC, but end up regaining their freedom without undergoing any form of punishment for what they have committed. This unpatriotic act by those at the helm of affairs must stop.
It is important to know that the arrest of the AGF, attest to the series of complaints and whistle blowing that the office which controls the Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System (IPPIS) has not only centralised but become the culvert of corruption.
We therefore, commend the anti-graft agency for this high profile arrest and urge them to do more in searching for fraud cases in the office of the Accountant General of the Federation and other sectors. This case should not just die. Nigerians expect a sincere and speedy trial, that will unleash the several unreported fraud cases at the IPPIS Directorate and other sectors.
Ibrahim Uba Yusuf
Director Communications, Outreach and Advocacy
