The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu SAN has reiterated the importance of accountability to Nigerians in asset disposal proceedings.
He made this known when the Asset Disposal Committee held its first meeting for the year 2024 on 14th August 2024. Dr Aliyu, presided over the meeting along with other management staff like the Secretary to the Commission, Barr. Clifford Oparaodu, Directors; Legal Services Department, Operations, Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Department (POCD) and Head Procurement Unit.
For transparency and accountability, the meeting was also attended by no fewer than four independent observers (Nasir M Bello, Hon Uche Ekure, Achike Chudi and Odeh Friday), as required by the Asset Disposal Guidelines 2022, developed by the Commission. They represented the following organizations:
- Bureau of Public Procurement.
- Nigerian Labour Congress.
- Nigeria Union of Journalists and
- Accountability Lab.
In his opening remarks, Dr Aliyu enjoined members of the Committee to interrogate the process thoroughly to ensure a smooth process and to yield maximum value to the Federal Government. He also reminded members of the Committee that they owe the Almighty God, the country, the public at large and themselves the duty to be transparent and accountable throughout the process.
During the deliberations, the POCD reported that in the 2023 disposal exercise, the Commission realized over N247 million from the auction of 13 assets, that is 6 vehicles (movable assets) and 7 properties (immovable assets). The assets that were not disposed of in 2023 have been included in assets for disposal in 2024.
During the business of the day, a total of 48 assets movable and immovable were presented for disposal. This was made up of 37 assets brought forward or rolled over from 2023 and 11 that were finally forfeited since the last exercise in 2023.
The 48 assets if successfully disposed are expected to realize over N10 billion to the FG in sales revenue. However, after extensive deliberations, nineteen properties belonging to Prof. Dibu Ojerinde and one in Abuja were stepped down due to cases pending in courts.
The remaining 28 assets made up of 4 movable(vehicles) and twenty-four buildings, businesses and plots of land were approved for disposal. The Committee also approved an advertisement for registered Auctioneers to submit tenders for the auctioning of the assets approved for disposal.