The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched an investigation into the House of Representatives ad hoc committee probing federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for alleged job racketeering and gross mismanagement. The investigation is being carried out following bribery allegations against the probe panel.
The anti-graft agency announced on Friday that it is investigating the House of Representatives ad hoc committee probing federal MDAs for alleged job racketeering and gross mismanagement. The probe was launched following petitions from an online media platform and the committee’s chairman, Yusuf Gagdi.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has commenced investigation into petitions received from Premium Times and Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Ad-Hoc Committee on the Investigation of Job Racketeering and Gross Mismanagement in Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies, over bribery allegations against the probe panel,” the spokesperson for the ICPC, Azuka Ogugua wrote in an official note on WhatsApp.
Reports have it that Anti-corruption advocates have urged anti-graft agencies to investigate members of the House of Representatives ad hoc committee who have been accused of extorting money from ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) under the guise of investigating job racketeering. The advocates made the call in separate interviews with PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday.
Weeks ago, the House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating job racketeering and other infractions in federal MDAs received petitions against 39 MDAs. The committee’s chairman, Yusuf Gagdi, disclosed the resumed sitting of the investigative hearing at the National Assembly.
Gagdi said that some of the MDAs include the Federal Character Commission, Office of the Head of Service, Budget Office, IPPIS, and the Federal Civil Service Commission. He added that the committee will engage over 600 MDAs in line with its mandate to uncover the extent of malfeasance in the federal civil service.