NBC DG suspension: Rights group commends FG, insists on probe

A foremost anti-corruption group, Human and Environmental Development Agenda, (HEDA Resource Centre) has commended the Federal Government for the suspension of the Director General, (DG) Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, Dr. Modibbo Kawu.
HEDA, In a statement on Monday, also stated that the suspension cannot substitute for the outcome of the probe of the N2.5billion said to have been mismanaged by the NBC.
Last year, HEDA launched campaign for the investigation of the N2.5billion belonging to the commission. The funds were said to have either been mismanaged or stolen by some officials.
HEDA said the suspension will further assist the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, (ICPC), which the anti-corruption group had asked to investigate the sleaze.
“We welcome the suspension of the NBC DG, Dr. Moddibo Kawu. This is a step forward but it is not enough.
There is need to probe the controversial N2.5billion believed to have been mismanaged by certain individuals in NBC.
It is a good thing the FGN has taken a decision by suspending the DG, but the public is interested in what happens to the N2.5 billion”, HEDA Chairman Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju said.
The group said it was delighted that President Buhari invoked Rule 030406 in the suspension of the NBC DG, saying the rule also applies to erring officials of the Federal Civil Service Commission or the Permanent Secretary/Head of Extra-Ministerial Office which shall forthwith suspend an official from the exercise of official powers and functions and from the enjoyment of associated emoluments.
Suraju said HEDA would continue to pursue the myth surrounding the N2.5billion until the funds, if stolen, are recovered and ploughed back into the system to be utilized effectively.
In a petition calling for the suspension of the NBC DG last year, HEDA had stated that ” the investigation carried out by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission which led to the eventual prosecution of the Director-General was properly investigated and established a prima facie case before prosecuting same.
It is important to note that our organisation believes in presumption of innocence and basis for our request is premised on the allegations andthe investigation of the ICPC as ground for the serious misconduct to warrant immediate suspension”.
HEDA said the suspension of the NBC boss was an indication that the Federal Government listens to public outcries on corruption, adding that the country will make economic progress if corruption can be fought decisively by governments at all tiers.