CSO Writes Tinubu Over Alleged Mismanagement In Population Commission

…calls for suspension, probe of leadership over transfers to private accounts.

President Bola Tinubu has been urged to sack and prosecute the Chairman of the National Population Commission, Nasir Isa Kwarra, over allegations of abuse of office, financial impropriety, and gross misconduct among many others.

The African Leadership Strategy and Transparency Development Initiative (ALSTDI) made the call in a petition to the President signed by Kings Abel Adams and dated January 8th, 2024.

The group questioned whether Kwarra received approval to transact official business with 17 private bank accounts of certain individuals listed below:

“Akindulureni Zainab Ohunene – N4,200,000.00 payment for intercensal population activities and development of small area level database on 09/02/2021

Abalogu Mondale Williams – N3,800,000.00 payment for intercensal population activities and development of small area level database on 09/02/2021

Fagbemi Akinola Benjamin – N4,500,000.00 payment for VRD expansion of registration centers on 09/02/2021

Maduabuchi Ogonnaya Derek – N4,000,000.00 payment for IRO expansion of registration centers of birth and death on 09/02/2021

Adio Kamaldeen Arikewuyo – N4,500,000.00 payment for IRO expansion of registration centers of birth and death on 09/02/21

Abdulrahman Azeez – N3,130,000.00 payment for IRO expansion of registration centers of birth and death on 09/02/2021

Fagbemi Akinola Benjamin – N300,000.00 payment for IRO expansion of registration centers of birth and death on 09/02/2021

Adio Kamaldeen Arikewuyo – N4,149,000.00 payment for project drivers allowance for February 2021 on 15/02/2021

Maduabuchi Ogonnaya Derek – N3,450,000.00 payment for 10 HFCS monitoring of vital registration advocacy for 1 month on 18/02/2021

Mohammed Abdulrahim – N4,893,000.00 payment for training of ICT staff on UI/UX design on 03/03/2021

Momoh Mustapha Asuku – N3,595,585.38 payment for the conduct of intercensal activities by the Census Department on 03/03/2021. The same individual received N4,550,000.00 on the same day for the same purpose.

Adeniyi Busayo Comfort – N4,350,983.37 payment for conduct of intercensal activities by Planning & Research on 03/03/2021

Ogohi Abu – N3,980,000.00 payment for public enlightenment activities for the Public Affairs Department on 03/03/2021. The same individual received payments of N3,000,000.00 and N3,020,000.00 for the same purpose on 04/03/2021.

Mohammed Abdulrahim – N4,893,000.00 and N4,279,000.00 payments for training of ICT staff on UI/UX design on 04/03/2021

Momoh Mustapha Asuku – N3,950,000.00 and N3,400,000.00 payments for conduct of intercensal activities by the Census Department on 04/03/2021

Adeniyi Busayo Comfort – N3,400,000.00 and N3,000,000.00 payments for the conduct of intercensal activities by Planning & Research on 04/03/2021

Maduabuchi Ogonnaya Derek – N4,841,200.00 payment for census pretest zonal training and fieldwork for 13 additional officers on 08/06/2021”.

Among other requests, the group also asked for: “information on the total budget for each of the years 2021, as well as the specific budgeted sums for payment for intercensal population activities and development of small area level database;

“Details regarding the venues of these activities, the cost implications, and a list of individuals to whom these monies were paid;

“Clarification on any approvals from the Ministry of the Interior or any other delegated office for conducting official business through private bank accounts;

“Information regarding the payment for conduct of intercensal activities by the Census Department and the Planning and Research Department. We seek details on approvals and individuals involved.”

The CSO, therefore, advised Kwarra to step aside to prevent further abuse of public office while a comprehensive and independent investigation into the allegations is carried out.