CONFUSION as the Acting Governor of Taraba State Offers N20m 'Donation' to EFCC, ICPC

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) turned down N10m ‘donation’ from the Acting Governor of Taraba State, Mr Garba Umar. The incident happened at the 2013 Transparency, Accountability and Good Governance Integrity Heroes Award night at the Sheraton Hotel in Abuja on February 28, 2014, Friday.

The Speaker of Taraba State House of Assembly, Josiah Sabo Kente, has received an award on behalf of the Acting Governor.

In his speech Kente announced that the Acting Governor made the decision to donate N10m each to the EFCC and the ICPC, to mark their importance in fighting corruption.

The audience went silent as the Chief of Staff in the office of the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Kayode Oladele, went to the podium.

He said the donation was a violation of ethics and rules of engagement of the EFCC.

“We (the EFCC) appreciate the effort of the Acting Governor of Taraba State, but we would like to respectfully decline the donation. The only support we accept is for the Governors to continue to be accountable and transparent in their dealings,” the official said.

According to SaharaReporters, the Speaker of Taraba State House of Assembly tried to return to the podium. He said he had make a mistake and wanted to correct it. The ‘true’ purpose of N20m being offered was meant to be donated to the organizers of the program, the Foundation for Transparency and Accountability. However, he was not allowed speaking at the event again.

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