EFCC Begins Investigation of Centenary City

 

By Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The National Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative Wednesday confirmed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has began investigation on the Centenary City project which it said was embedded in fraud.

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

Its National Coordinator, Adodo Solomon, who briefed journalists in Abuja after he met with the officials of the commission, said the group availed more information to the anti graft agency concerning the scam.

The group which has  earlier petitioned the commission and the Presidential Advisory Council on Corruption said the root cause of unemployment, poverty and all the challenges facing the country presently was corruption.

Adodo stated:  “One of such contraption of corruption we have seen is the centenary city that is laced with so much controversy, and we have been on that matter for some months now. We have made some inquest, we have made some enquiries to ensure that they act on the matter in line with the act instituting the various agencies.

“Particularly,  we petitioned the EFCC to thoroughly investigate the matter, to look into the centenary city and all the fraud embedded therein, the corruption and the abuse of office.

“EFCC in response to our petition told us categorically that they are investigating the matter and thoroughly looking into it, they just invited us for more enquiries which will avail them of information backed by evidence to show the fraud embedded therein. We have made those document available to them.,” he added.

Adodo also revealed that the group wrote the presidency and it had received a reply promise that the allegation was being looked into and with full assurance that anyone  found culpable will be brought to book.

A letter of reply signed by Mr. Ona Peter on behalf of the Council with reference number PAC-C/C/Vol.1/17  said: “We acknowledge the receipt of your petition other subject: Centenary City Scam. Please be assured that your petition is receiving attention.”

The coordinator said the group was aware that the NEPZA code was not really followed in ascribing that place as a free trade zone, stressing that it was because  some certain vested interest in the Centenary City.

He noted that unlike what was being  painted  in the media that the Centenary City would increase job creation, but rather it would lead to increased unemployment. 

“The NEPZA seal was not appended to the approval for the president, we also know that certain individuals who occupy office used their privileged position thereby using their offices to ensure that that land was acquired under false pretence, that alone is a sufficient ground to say it is an embodiment  of corruption, we don’t want such thing to continue in this era and they just be fought to serve as deterrent to those who might followed similar ground.

“Those that are found culpable after being investigated by EFCC on this ground must be brought to book, those who should go to jail should go to jail because corruption has led to unemployment, poverty,” Adodo stressed.