The Senate on Tuesday began investigation into an alleged contract scam of N8 billion in the construction of the permanent site of the Code of Conduct Bureau.
The Senate’s resolution followed the point of order raised by Senator Dino Melaye over alleged cntract scam in the agency.
Melaye told the lawmakers that there is evidence to back up the allegation against the CCB
Melaye said: “Mr. President, it is an allegation because it would have been investigated, but I have relevant documents to buttress the veracity of my claim.
“Abandonment of N8 billion office headquarters project by the Code of Conduct Bureau.
“The Senate notes with serious concern the dumping of N8 billion office headquarters project by the Code of Conduct Bureau.
“Aware that the Code of Conduct Bureau, after spending over N1 billion on the construction of the office complex headquarters with complete approval by the FCDA, with design by the Federal Capital Territory Administration and supervision ongoing by the FCT, has opted to purchase a completed nine storey building located in the Central Business District of Abuja, just as the abandoned one is also located in the same Business District.
“The Senate observes that the Bureau apart from the ongoing construction project of the headquarters, was evaluated and awarded in the sum of N3,509,327,405, out of which a total sum of N1,407,263,884, so far, representing 16 per cent of the of the contract sum has been paid, while the cumulative job done as at to date is estimated at 10 per cent.
“Mr. President, my colleagues, aware that in spite of the due releases to the Bureau, in the 2016 budget, the Bureau went for the sum of N4.4 billion to buy the nine storey building.
“Worried that the action of the CCB in the whole exercise is not expected of an institution that is supposed to protect and watch over the finance of the society by checking corrupt practices in the Nigeria Public Service.”
After, Senator Melaye’s submission, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, said the issue is an allegation, which needed to be investigated.
According to Ekweremadu: “As I said earlier, since it is still an allegation, if we subject this to debate, it may be prejudicing the outcome of the investigation.
“Senate recognizes the absolute need for the Bureau to have a befitting office.
“I think the issue now is whether there is an ongoing project being abandoned in preference to purchasing an existing one.
“We are here to ensure that public finances are appropriately spent.”
However, the Senate resolved that the Committees on Federal Capital Territory, Ethics and Privileges and Public Petitions carry out a holistic investigation into the matter and report back to the Senate.
News Senate probes CCB over alleged of N8b contract racket
