Alleged misappropriation of N2.5bn: Concerned lawyers demand resignation of NLTF Boss
Lawyers under the auspices of Nigerian Concerned Lawyers have asked the Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), Mr Bello Maigari, to resign over alleged misappropriation of N2.5 billion Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the agency.
The lawyers also accused the Clerk of the National Assembly, Magaji Tambuwal, of ownership and management of a private company, YASMA Special Services Limited, which is in direct violation of Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws and ethical standards for public officials.
The lawyers in a letter addressed to Maigari and Tambuwal separately and made available to journalists on Friday in Abuja, called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct an investigation to expose their potential violation of anti-corruption laws and if found culpable, should be arrested and prosecuted.
While giving them seven days ultimatum to resign, the lawyers threatened to mobilise their members to stage peaceful protests across cities of the nation, if they(Maigari and Tambuwal) fail to resign.
The letter reads thus: “We, the undersigned 1000 Nigerian lawyers, are writing this petition to express our deep concerns regarding the alleged misappropriation of funds and financial irregularities within the National Lottery Trust Fund under your leadership.
“We have gathered sufficient evidence to support our claims, and we firmly believe that it is our duty as legal professionals to defend the interests and well- being of our fellow citizens.
“According to recent revelations during the interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, it has come to our attention that the entire internally generated revenue (IGR) of the National Lottery Trust Fund, amounting to N2.5 billion in 2023, has been allegedly expended on various projects without proper accountability and transparency.
“Such misappropriation of funds is deeply saddening and is a gross violation of the trust placed in you as the Executive Secretary.
“As Nigerian lawyers, we firmly believe in upholding justice, accountability, and the rule of law. We cannot stand idly by while public resources meant for the advancement, uplifting and promotion of important causes such as sports development, education, social services, public welfare, relief, and management of natural disasters are being misused and diverted.
“Therefore, we hereby petition for your immediate resignation from your position as the Executive Secretary/CEO of National Lottery Trust Fund.
“We give a deadline of 7 days from the date of this petition for your resignation.
“Failure to comply within this demand will result in peaceful protests organised by Nigerian lawyers across various cities in the county to express our dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs,” they said.
While the letter against the Clerk of the National Assembly, Magaji Tambuwal reads, “We, the undersigned 1000 Nigerian lawyers, write this petition to express our grave concern regarding the recent revelations of your ownership and management of a private company, YASMA Special Services Limited, which is in direct violation of Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws and ethical standards for public officials.
“According to the Nigerian Constitution and the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, it is explicitly stated that public officials, including yourself as the Clerk of the National Assembly, are prohibited from engaging in the management of private businesses, except for farming purposes.
“This law has been put in place to prevent conflicts of interest and abuse of office among government officials, ensuring transparency, accountability and the safeguarding of public resources.
“However, the company records obtained from the Corporate Affairs Commission during the investigation conducted by an online Media house indicates that YASMA Special Services Limited, owned by you, is engaged in trading, general contracting, import and export, logistics services, supplies, and transportation, among other activities.
“These activities clearly demonstrate a direct conflict of interest as you oversee procurement and contracting at the federal parliament, creating a fertile ground for potential corruption and abuse of office.
“Furthermore, during our investigation, some National Assembly staff who were trying to put a defence for you had claimed that you had resigned from the company, asserting that YASMA Special Services Limited was initially intended for farming, and its registration was facilitated by your family.
“However, contrary to these claims, our physical check at the Corporate Affairs Commission confirmed that you are still listed as a director in the company.
“The shareholding structure of the company is also a matter of concern.
“It is revealed that you own 50% of the company’s three million shares, with the remaining shares held by three directors who have close family ties with you.
“This raises suspicions of nepotism and potential diversion of public resources for personal gain.
“In the light of these infractions, we, the undersigned Nigerian lawyers, hereby call for the following actions;
“Your immediate resignation from the position of the Clerk of the National Assembly within seven days of receiving this petition.
“We give a deadline of seven days from the date of this petition (Wednesday 22nd of November, 2023 – Wednesday 29th November, 2023) for your resignation.
“Failure to comply with this demand will result peaceful protests organised by Nigerian lawyers across various cities in the country on Thursday 30th of November, 2023 to express our dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.
“An investigation to be conducted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), into your ownership and management of YASMA Special Services Limited and any potential violations of anti-corruption laws.
“The lawyers also called on EFCC to take up the claims and accusations for proper investigation and prosecution of the two public officials over alleged corrupt practices.
“If found guilty of corruption or abuse of office, we demand your arrest and prosecution by the EFCC, ensuring that justice is served,” the lawyers added
(Daily Independent)
