Anti-corruption group absolves NEDC boss of financial mismanagement

Mohammed Goni Alkali, NEDC CEO/MD

Rauf Oyewole

A Coalition against Corruption and Electoral Offences and Malpractices (CCEOM) has described an allegation of financial mismanagement against the Managing Director of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) as unfounded and baseless. 

Earlier last week, another group called the Coalition of Civil Society Organisation against Corruption in Northern Nigeria (COCSOCINN) petitioned President Bola Tinubu over an alleged mismanagement of N13 Billion against  the Commission’s  boss, Mohammed Goni Alkali.

The petition to President Tinubu was signed by the National Spokesperson of the group, Pastor Dr. Sani Abdullahi, tagged: “Urgent Petition for Dismissal of the Managing Director of NEDC and Advocacy March on June 4, 2024,” dated May 23, 2024, the Coalition called for the immediate sack and prosecution of Alkali. 

While reacting, the National Coordinator of  CCEOM, Hon. Lawan Abdullahi said that “this falsehood allegations against the Managing Director of NEDC, being perpetrated is an indication of a ploy to misinform the public in a bid to distract the Board or to cause confusion due to envy and mischief. 

“All these mischievous allegations and blatant lies are far from the truth. Even though we don't want to discuss issues with anybody, we are therefore constrained to respond to the false story about an imaginary allegation of corruption against Alkali.”

He urged members of the public to disregard the story which is obviously a “mischievous concoction of lies” designed to sow seeds of discord among members of the Board who are united in their resolve to make a difference in the north eastern State.

Abdullahi described the group as enemies of the North East making false allegations to distract Alkali from consolidating on the good work he has started by repositioning the region.