Society Gists

Although the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently investigating an alleged multi-million naira scam in NIMASA involving the Secretary of the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, Mrs Ngozi Obi, indications are rife that the investigations may hit a stone wall after all.

Findings have revealed that the Amaechi’s Secretary has been deploying her influence in the corridors of power to bail herself out of trouble with the EFCC, a situation which is already causing ripples with the Ministry of Transport and NIMASA.

Ngozi is the wife of Barrister Callistus Obi, the former Acting DG of NIMASA who is undergoing investigations by the EFCC over alleged misappropriation of NIMASA funds.

Two companies belonging to Barrister Callistus Obi; Global Seal Nig. Ltd and Grandpac Nig. Ltd had been fingered in the alleged fraud in of NIMASA since remittances from the agency were traced to their accounts by the EFCC.

Barrister Obi is currently on bail granted him by the Federal High Court, Ikoyi South West Nigeria.

His wife Ngozi Obi, the current Secretary to the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has been serving as Secretary to all the companies by her husband fingered in the alleged fraud.

Civil Service Rules states that, a Civil Servant cannot hold interest in any company while in office, hence; many have wondered why despite several allegations that linked Ngozi Obi to all the companies used by her husband to fraudulently enriched himself, she is still in the service of the Ministry.

Transparency Centre Network; a prominent Civil Society Group recently issued a statement urging the Minister to replace Obi pending the outcome of the on-going investigation into her activities.

The group said, “We think Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi is one of the outspoken ally of Mr. President who believes strongly that Nigeria must start on a clean slate; devoid of corrupt practices and nepotism, but we are shocked that despite the obvious connection that linked his Secretary to the fraud perpetrated by her husband in an agency under his Ministry, the Minister has not done anything about her”, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Segun Jones told us in Abuja.

Jones said his recent visit to Obi to explain her role in her husband’s alleged romance with the devil was met with a stiff opposition by one Barrister Okonkwo who threatened to deal ruthlessly with him if he did not desist from his crusade to call for orderliness in the Ministry.

Ngozi Obi who is currently serving the fourth Minister in the Ministry is also said to be a very strong personality who calls the shot in the absence of the Minister or the Permanent Secretary.

Many have also linked the current DG of NIMASA, Peterside Dakuku as a family friend of the Obis and lamented that justice may not be done to the case involving Ngozi’s husband at the end of the day because of the connection between the Honourable Minster and the NIMASA Director General.