The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission [ICPC] has been petitioned by a civil rights group, Centre for Social Justice, to investigate the appointment and activities of the Nigeria Export and Import (NEXIM) bank’s Executive Director for business Development, claiming her appointment fell below merit.
The group in a letter signed by its Executive Coordinator, Comrade Ikpa Isaac and addressed to the ICPC, it said that the appointment of the Executive Director, Mrs. Folake Itohan Oke Salami did not follow due process as she was not qualified to be appointed Executive Director in the Bank.
The group in a press conference held in Abuja alleged that Mrs Salami had falsified her experience status in the banking sector to influence her appointment into that position, stating that her claim of working in a multi-purpose cooperative Society did not fit the bill as stipulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“As the situation stands, we have carried out private investigations on the credentials of the said Mrs. Folake Itohan Oke Salami and discovered that she committed fraud and told huge lies on oath in order to occupy the aforesaid position.”
Also in the statement, the Centre stated that upon confirmation that she does not qualify and she lied on oath, criminal proceedings be initiated against her to ensure that she is not only removed from office and sent to jail but that the salaries, emoluments and allowances she had received while fraudulently occupying the office be returned to the coffers of the Federal Government of Nigeria to serve as deterrent to other potential Nigerians.
The Centre further called on the ICPC to urgently ignite a full-fledged investigation into her records to ascertain whether or not she is qualified ab-initio to be considered and appointed as Executive Director Business Development of Nigerian Export-Import Bank.
It however warned that failure of the Commission to act on this petition within 7 (Seven) working days will leave them with no other option than to mobilize the media and other concerned organizations to occupy the Commission’s office until the attention of Mr. President and the international community is drawn to the matter.