The former Chairman of the Special Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property, Barrister Okoi Obono-Obla, has revealed the various challenges and sabotage he faced during his tenure.
Appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, Obono-Obla was ousted a few months later due to what he describes as resistance from powerful government insiders.
High-Stakes Investigations
Obono-Obla’s tenure was marked by several high-profile investigations into corruption and financial misconduct, including:
The failure of an oil company to pay the balance of $1.9 billion from an oil block purchased for $2.5 billion in 2014.
The discovery of 80 armored plated Mercedes Benz S-Class vehicles in the premises of an Abuja-based federal director.
Directors in the defunct Petroleum Equalization Fund found with over $5 billion in their accounts.
A $12.5 million contract awarded by the Nigerian Ports Authority to a company owned by a former Senator and now Governor, for dredging the Calabar port, which was not executed.
Oil companies that failed to remit over $3 billion as royalties to the federal government.
The purchase of a house in Asokoro, Abuja, by a then-serving federal permanent secretary.
Offshore assets of some National Assembly members.
The failure of commercial banks to remit over N38 trillion collected as stamp duties as of 2019.
The illegal takeover of a building belonging to the National Board for Technical Education in Maitama, Abuja, by a Nigerian billionaire from Katsina State.
Ousting by “Patrons of Corruption”
In an exclusive interview, Obono-Obla described how his patriotic zeal and uncompromising approach to his work led to his removal.
He recounted receiving a letter in January 2018 from the former Attorney General of the Federation, directing him to wait for a mandate before investigating any matters and forbidding him from speaking to the media.
Despite these directives, which he considered illegal, Obono-Obla continued his work until he was suspended on August 11, 2019, and the panel was disbanded the following month.
“Sacred Cows” and Political Interference
Obono-Obla highlighted the existence of “sacred cows” within the previous administration, questioning why a government elected on an anti-corruption platform would treat certain individuals as untouchable.
He noted that political interference hamstrung anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC, preventing them from acting fearlessly and professionally.
Lack of Support and Financial Backing
The former chairman detailed the lack of financial support and other essential resources that hampered the panel’s operations.
He cited the denial of financial backing, delayed office accommodation, and lack of funds to furnish the office as significant challenges.
Despite these obstacles, Obono-Obla and his team achieved notable successes driven by their patriotism.
Advice to President Tinubu
Obono-Obla advised President Bola Tinubu to overhaul the governance structure of all anti-corruption agencies and the laws establishing them.
He emphasized the need to insulate these agencies from political pressure and protect their staff from persecution and victimization.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on his tenure, Obono-Obla expressed pride in his service record despite the psychological trauma and ordeal faced by him and his family.
He reiterated the importance of selfless and diligent service to Nigeria and called for greater protection and support for those in the forefront of the anti-corruption fight.
