A coalition of civil society groups in Nigeria has urged the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Commission (ICPC) to conduct a thorough investigation into the activities of Engr. Toyin Okoro Zachaius, the All Progressive Congress (APC) House of Representatives candidate for Ekiti South Federal constituency. The group alleged that Engr. Zachaius committed several infractions, including operating a private company while serving as a public servant.
The ICPC had invited Engr. Zachaius for questioning following petitions from various groups, including the Coalition of Ekiti APC support groups and Ekiti APC Stakeholders. According to the allegations, Engr. Zachaius, while serving as a Special Liaison Aide (SLA) to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, operated a private company, Zac-Lawremz Nig. Ltd, contrary to public service rules. He was also accused of drawing a salary and allowance from the National Assembly while being the beneficial owner of the private company.
The coalition's national coordinator, Comrade Victor Kalu, addressed a press conference in Abuja, commending the ICPC for inviting Engr. Zachaius for questioning. However, Kalu alleged that a former senator, Adedayo Adeyeye, has been putting pressure on the ICPC to discontinue the case. The coalition demanded that the ICPC remain firm and resolute in its fight against corruption, thoroughly investigating and prosecuting Engr. Zachaius to its logical conclusion.
The allegations against Engr. Zachaius include lying on oath in his submissions to the ICPC. The coalition argued that someone who has committed such infractions is not fit to occupy a sensitive and high office as a lawmaker. They called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and caution Sen. Adeyeye against using his name to intimidate or harass the candidate.
Sen. Adeyeye had allegedly claimed that Engr. Zachaius is the anointed candidate of President Tinubu and cannot be dropped. The coalition denied this, stating that the matter should not be swept under the carpet or disregarded due to political influence. They demanded justice, equity, and fairness from the ICPC in handling the case.
The ICPC's investigation into Engr. Zachaius's activities is seen as a test of its integrity and commitment to fighting corruption. The coalition urged the commission to resist any pressure from politicians or highly placed individuals and pursue the case to its logical conclusion. The outcome of the investigation is expected to have significant implications for the APC and the Ekiti South Federal constituency.
As of the time of filing this report, Engr. Zachaius had not reacted to the allegations. The ICPC's findings and any subsequent actions are awaited, with many stakeholders watching closely to see if the commission will remain firm in its pursuit of justice and accountability.
Key points
- The coalition of civil society groups has called on the ICPC to investigate Engr. Toyin Okoro Zachaius over alleged infractions, including operating a private company while serving as a public servant.
- The ICPC's investigation into Engr. Zachaius's activities is seen as a test of its integrity and commitment to fighting corruption.
- The coalition has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and caution Sen. Adeyeye against using his name to intimidate or harass the candidate.
