Okonkwo petitions Soludo over alleged breach of law

Human Rights activist and convener of the Movement for the Voice of Democracy (MOVERS), Dr Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo, stated that his petition against Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) was to challenge the clear breaches of the country’s laws.

He stated that governors should not take the immunity clause in the 1999 Constitution, as amended, as an omnibus stipulation, stressing that instances of abuses by state chief executives could be challenged in court while they are still holding office.

Recall that on April 14, 2015, Okonkwo filed a petition with the CCB alleging that Soludo, on April 5, received N30 million through a cheque from 60 groups as a donation towards his re-election plans.

In the petition titled, “Fraudulent Misrepresentation, Money Laundering and Abuse of Public Trust,” and addressed to the CCB Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Usman Bello, the rights activist prayed that the board investigate Soludo and three of his aides.”

He explained that the petition was “against the under-listed public officials for acts in flagrant breach, or non-compliance with the provisions of the Code of Conduct (fifth schedule) Part 1, under the Nigeria 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) or through agents as nominees, trustees.”

Those listed in the petition for investigation included Prof. Charles Soludo (Governor of Anambra State); Mr Izukchukwu Okafor (Finance Commissioner/nominee, agent of the Governor); Dr Obi Obiogbolu (Special Adviser/representative of 60 groups); and Chukwuemeka Julius (team lead of Soludo Fans Club).

Speaking to The Guardian on the phone yesterday, Okonkwo said his petition to the CCB is to prove that Nigeria is still a nation of laws and that the law is not the respecter of anybody.

Rationalising his action, the petitioner noted that the complaints against the governor did not impinge on his immunity from criminal prosecution, stressing that the protests were filed under paragraphs 1, 6(1), 8, 9 and 13 of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.

Drawing specific attention to paragraphs 6, 8 and 9, Okonkwo reiterated that by their actions, Soludo and three others flouted the provision that “a public officer shall not ask for or accept property or benefits of any kind for himself or any other person on account of anything done or omitted to be done by him in the discharge of his duties.