Asset declaration: CCB to quiz three ex- govs, nine ex- ministers, others

THE Code of Conduct Bureau ( CCB) has initiated an investigation targeting appointees and government officials who have violated the Code of Conduct laws of the country.

This investigation focuses on those who have either failed to declare their assets, made false declarations to deceive the agency, or have not complied with other related regulations.

It was gathered that in the anti- graft bureau, about three former governors, nine former ministers, 14 former legislators, 17 former heads of parastatals at both federal and state levels, including local government chairmen, were under investigations for alleged graft offences.

A commissioner in the CCB confided in some journalists that letters of invitation had been sent to the indicted persons to immediately report to the CCB headquarters or face the consequences.

He said the move was to avail the accused persons the opportunity to clarify their asset acquisitions. He said the properties and humongous bank accounts in both local and offshore banks illegally acquired and connected to them, family members, and close associates will be investigated.

The source stated: “Accordingly, the defaulters are expected to be thoroughly interrogated, if at the end of the findings, they are culpable for breaches or noncompliance, they will be charged before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, which might lead to the confiscation and forfeiture of the illgotten wealth, assets, properties to the federal government of Nigeria and the convicts are liable not to hold public office for maximum of 10 years.