The alleged fake National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office operated a structure spanning 20 states and two foreign countries, with a national coordinator, zonal directors, state coordinators and representatives in the United States and China.
The development follows the disclosure by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, that President Bola Tinubu had ordered the immediate arrest of George Nwabueze, identified by the commission as the promoter of the alleged unauthorized office. The President also ordered the suspension of three permanent secretaries over the matter.
The website also claimed that the project operated under the Office of the Secretary to the Government, OSGF, of the Federation.
Its framework page stated that the project was overseen by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs, in the OSGF.
However, the claimed government affiliation is at odds with the ICPC’s findings that the office was operating without presidential authorization.
Also Read: Tinubu suspends three permanent secretaries
According to the commission, the office had been allocated space within the OSGF premises without authorization from the President.
The ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, said the commission had uncovered the alleged unauthorized operation and identified Nwabueze as its promoter.
The commission also said the promoter operated under several variations of his name, including George Nathan Nwabueze, George Nwabueze, George Buchi Nwabueze, Prince George Buchi Nwabueze and George Nwabueze.
It also identified Dr Bassey B. Unaowo as “Special Assistant to the Permanent Secretary on Political and Economic Affairs, OSGF”; Dr Hajara Njidda Amoni as Director, National Administration; Oladunjoye Musiliua as Zonal Director, South-West; Hafsat Sahabi Dange as Zonal Director, North; and Mrs Ugochi Akudo Nwosu as Zonal Director, South-East.
The website listed the following individuals as state coordinators: Dr Babangida Kabir Ruma as the coordinator for Katsina, Hon. Abdulhaleem Ishaq Ringim for Kaduna, Hon. Dr Godwin Adolor for Delta, Hussaini Abdullahi, Esq., FSI for Kebbi, Hon. Olugbemi Adetola Adelowokan for Osun, Hon. Chiamaka Nnake for Anambra, Hon. Osolafia Muhammed, PhD for Nasarawa, and Mrs Salome Audu Bidda for Plateau.
The website also listed representatives for the United States and China, further indicating the breadth of the structure claimed by the alleged fake office.
PUNCH
