"Release reports of NIA’s case"- APC Chieftain tells Osinbajo

The fight against corruption may be in jeopardy if the findings of the Presidential committee investigating the controversial $43 million in Lagos house is not released to Nigerians on time, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank said on Sunday.

The APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, in a statement signed in Abuja, voiced his belief that the reports ought to have been released to show transparency in the war against corruption.

He said the continued delay in making public the outcome of Yemi Osinbajo-led three man committee might begin to give room to rumours and speculations.

He said anybody found guilty should not be protected, saying “The NIA and SGF's reports should no longer be kept away from Nigerians. These reports should be released within the shortest possible time to allay the fears among a section of Nigerians”.

Frank said not only Nigerians were expecting the outcome of Professor Osinbajo's panel, but also “the international community” on how Nigeria would handle the matter that could make or mar the war against corruption.

The Bayelsa born politician, who said Nigerians still believed in the integrity of Prof. Osinbajo the same way they trusted President Muhammadu Buhari, stated that he had to speak out because he also commended the move when the committee was set up by the President.

He said, “It is high time this report is make public to proof to the world that our party means it when we say we are fighting corruption, because do as said is the hallmark of integrity in governance.
“The reports of discovery of large amount of money as $43M without true identity of the owner in a country where government cannot pay salaries or increase the meager being paid the hard working civil servants, where poverty, hunger and massive unemployment are order of the day, should not be delayed or swept under the carpet.”

The presidency had promised to release the reports over a week ago before President Buhari travelled for a medical check-up.

It would be recalled that the committee headed by Acting President Osinbajo was also tasked to investigate the allegations of corruption against the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Engr. Babachir David Lawal.