Reps uncover N15.2 billion fraud in 3 ministries

By Idowu Samuel - 14.01.2008

THE House of Representatives has uncovered fraud totalling N15.2 billion in three ministries, even as it disclosed that it had placed three other ministries under watch on alleged fraud perpetrated by their top officials.

The fraud was said to have been perpetrated by the top officials including their ministers through award of contracts without recourse to due process.

Making this known in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune in Abuja was the House Committee chairman on Due Process, Honourable Benard Udoh, from Akwa Ibom State.

The lawmaker told the Nigerian Tribune that investigation into the activities of the ministries allegedly involved was yet to be concluded, affirming that he was sure his committee would still unearth more fraud so far perpetrated by bureaucrats in the ministries.

Udoh said the House took the initiative of probing the breach of due process in the award of contracts by ministries in response to petitions made to the due process committee by concerned civil servants.

He, however, said the House would not take the case of fraud in the executive arm of government lying low in view of the negative implications to the economy of Nigeria.

He said any government official found culpable of breaching the law on due process would be prosecuted through the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)).

He said in all, six ministries were being investigated for alleged breach of due process in the awards of contracts, stating that the House would soon conduct a public hearing to address the cases of fraud.