The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to investigate the alleged gift of seven vehicles to former Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Mrs. Elizabeth Ativie, by the former state governor, Adams Oshiomhole.
The party in a petition to the Chairman of the ICPC through its solicitor, Ehiogie West-Idahosa urged the anti-graft agency to respond to its petition within seven days or face legal action.
The party said: “Please take note that failing to receive a satisfactory response from your commission within seven working days from the date of receipt of this petition, we have definite instructors to apply to competent court of law for the issuance of an order of mandamus to compel your commission to arrest, investigate and commence criminal prosecution of those mentioned in the petition as having contravened the provisions of the commission’s Establishment Act.
“In the circumstances, our client respectfully urges your commission to thoroughly investigate this petition together with the attached documents in the interest of the rule of law and the well-advertised fight against corruption, which is the major sign post of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s government.
“Being a public officer, she received the said vehicles as benefits in relation to the businesses of the House of Assembly, which is a public body, while serving as member of Edo State House of Assembly for something done by her in contravention of the clear provision of Section 10(a) of the ICPC Act.
“In doing this, she used her position to gratify herself and confer a corrupt advantage of converting the official vehicles for the Speaker to her own,” adding that she was not entitled to the said vehicles but for her occupation as speaker of the same House for 84 days.
It will be recalled that Mrs. Ativie had refused to return the official vehicles to the Assembly over claims that the vehicles, two Hilux vans, one Lexus SUV and one Toyota Prado SUV, were given to her by the former state governor because she agreed to step down as Speaker.
Comments