A Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Civil Society for Human Rights and Rehabilitation, has petitioned the legislative arm of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) over breach of Appropriation Act and Procurement Act by the AMAC chairman, Honourable Abdullahi Candido.
The group in a petition addressed to Speaker of the Council, dated January 22, 2020, and signed by the FCT coordinator of the group, Comrade Joseph Jonah, called for the investigation of the infractions, noting that they were impeachable offences.
The petitioners also accused the council boss of failure to furnish the National Assembly with quarterly status reports of the council’s statutory accounts, noting that such action was subject to investigation by the lawmakers and other relevant agencies of government.
It read in part: “Contrary to clear provisions of the Appropriation Act, the council chairman, Honourable Abdullahi Adamu Candido, has consistently and continuously failed, refused and neglected to furnish the National Assembly with quarterly status reports of the council’s statutory accounts.
“The refusal is bad and renders the chairman liable to be investigated and possibly impeached for two reasons. First, it shrouds the finances of the council in secrecy thereby creating room for fraud, misappropriation and misuse of public funds.
“Secondly, the failure of a public official to obey and abide by very clear statutory provisions is in itself an impeachable offence. Our request in this circumstance is that you investigate this clear breach of the law with a view to protecting our institutions from unwarranted abuse.”
Other allegations include: “That the chairman is in the habit of granting revenue, generating opportunities under circumstances that negate the principles and practices of procurement (Procurement Act), disregards the role of the Legislature in the administration of the council, shrouded in secrecy, cronyism and indeterminate standards.
“Our reviews of some of the awarded documents suggest that contracts were granted to family members.”
