Anambra State finds itself in the eye of a storm, as accusations of a N6.7 billion contract scandal surface, drawing in the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). The alleged misuse of funds earmarked for educational infrastructure between 2019 and 2021 has sparked an investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
A Denial Amidst Accusations
Associate Prof. Vera Nwadinobi, the chairperson of Anambra’s SUBEB, has vocally refuted the claims levied against her and the board. Amid swirling rumors and social media frenzy over the supposed diversion of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) funds, Nwadinobi describes the allegations as baseless. In her words, they are “false and fabricated” tales spun by detractors resistant to the transformative changes taking place in Anambra under the current administration. Nwadinobi stands firm, attributing the accusations to individuals unable to adapt to the new direction aimed at eradicating corrupt practices within the state.
Investigations Underway
Scrutiny intensifies as both the ICPC and the Anambra State Auditor General’s office summon ASUBEB officials for questioning. A source within the board confirms the ongoing investigation, highlighting a peculiar incident where the list of ‘qualified bidders’ for UBEC projects was mysteriously replaced on the board’s notice. The intrigue deepens with revelations that contracts were awarded to entities that either did not bid or failed the bidding process, casting a shadow over the procurement practices of ASUBEB. The introduction of a new procurement head, allegedly signing off on contracts without being involved in the process, further complicates the narrative.
The source said, “Also, the anti-graft agencies including ICPC and the office of the Anambra State Auditor General have invited ASUBEB officials for questioning on the ugly developments in the award of contracts.
“The Executive Chairman of Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board and some officials of the ASUBEB have been invited to explain their involvement in the scam by the ICPC on Wednesday morning.
“The development caused confusion at ASUBEB as the notice board where ‘qualified bidders’ list was pasted has been removed and replaced with another list. This happened during the last administration and government officials were guests severally at these anti-corruption agencies.”
The reports also had it that to perfect the scheming, a new Procurement head was brought to ASUBEB who is signing the contract award letters he never supervised and was never part of the Procurement process.
The Path Forward
The scandal underscores the challenges facing Anambra’s efforts to improve basic education infrastructure. As the ICPC withholds comments on the active investigation, the state awaits the outcomes, hoping for clarity and justice. The allegations against ASUBEB not only threaten the integrity of educational projects but also test the resolve of Anambra’s leadership to confront and correct malpractices within its ranks.
Source: Punch
