Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the former Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris, over his alleged involvement in a N26 trillion fraud.
In a statement signed by its national coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA accused Idris of violating the Financial Regulations (FR) by signing the consolidated statement of financial position of the Federal Government of Nigeria for 2019 without the approval of the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning.
The right group noted that ‘’Idris acted unilaterally and illegally by signing the financial statement without indicating his Financial Reporting Council (FRC) of Nigeria registration number, a component that carries the approval of the consolidated statement of financial position, contrary to the extant regulation.’’
HURIWA also faulted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its tardiness in prosecuting Idris over another allegation of financial malfeasance amounting to N90 billion, which led to his suspension from office in 2023.
Describing the former AGf ‘s actions as gross misconduct, abuse of office, breach of trust, and sabotage of the nation’s economy, the group urged the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration to demonstrate its commitment to fighting corruption by ensuring that Idris is brought to justice without further delay.
HURIWA went on to demand that the Senate Public Account Committee conducts a thorough investigation into the N26 trillion fraud and hold Idris and other accomplices accountable.
The group expressed ‘’shock that such an amount of public funds could be mismanaged and misappropriated by a single individual without any oversight or checks and balances.’’
HURIWA insists that it would be in the interest of the nation if the N26 trillion fraud be exposed and justice served.
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