In recent developments, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), under the leadership of Comrade Onyebuchi Igboke, have issued a compelling appeal to Dr. Monday Igwe, urging him to fully cooperate with the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police for Zone 13, Ukpo, in an ongoing corruption investigation. This appeal comes in light of perceived Dr. Igwe’s reluctance to respond to a police summons and allegations of avoiding arrest, raising concerns about his intentions regarding the investigation.
Comrade Igboke, speaking on behalf of the CSOs, emphasized that their request for Dr. Igwe’s cooperation should not be construed as an assumption of guilt. Instead, it is a sincere call for his active involvement with the Nigerian Police Authority throughout the ongoing corruption inquiry. Dr. Igwe’s failure to heed the police summons and his allegations of police misconduct have given rise to questions about his motivations, which the CSOs seek to address through their appeal.
He added that the incident in question occurred when officers from Zone 13 visited Dr. Igwe’s office to deliver a police summons. Instead of complying, Dr. Igwe reportedly accused the officers of abduction. The situation was ultimately resolved with the intervention of the Area Commander, who ensured that Dr. Igwe, alongside the investigating officers, would have the opportunity to address the corruption allegations the following day.
Despite this resolution, to our understanding, Dr. Igwe has yet to make himself available for a police interview. This has led to speculation that he may be attempting to obstruct the investigation or protect his interests. Comrade Igboke and the CSOs underline the significance of Dr. Igwe cooperating with the authorities, as any actions that could hinder the investigation would compromise the Nigerian Police’s efforts to uncover the truth, he added.
Comrade Igboke and the coalition of CSOs remain steadfast in their commitment to advocating for a transparent and impartial investigation into the allegations of corruption against Dr. Igwe. They affirm that the rule of law must prevail, and no individual should be immune from accountability, regardless of their status or influence.
The allegations against Dr. Igwe include:
Abuse of Office and Disobedience to Civil Service Rules:
The CSOs accuse Dr. Igwe of maladministration and the unlawful closure of the School of Post Basic Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, in defiance of directives from the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health.
Corruption and Mismanagement:
Dr. Igwe is alleged to have contracted a private company to collect hospital revenue using Point of Sale (POS) machines, which included charging patients POS fees. This is said to be in violation of Federal Government instructions to use Remitta for revenue collection. Additionally, the Transport Department was kept redundant, with all car repairs channeled to a single mechanic from Ebonyi State.
Nepotism and Clannishness:
The CSOs claim that Dr. Igwe displayed nepotism and clannish behavior by granting study leave to his wife and other relatives for education in the United Kingdom with full payment, despite the contrary memo from the Head of Service. They also allege that numerous appointments and contracts at the hospital favored individuals from Ebonyi State, Dr. Igwe’s home state.
In conclusion, Comrade Onyebuchi Igboke and the CSOs’ call for Dr. Monday Igwe’s cooperation is not a declaration of wrongdoing but rather a plea for transparency and full participation in the ongoing corruption investigation. Dr. Igwe’s non-response to the police summons and allegations of misconduct have raised concerns about the integrity of the process, which the CSOs are determined to protect. They urge all parties involved to uphold the principles of the rule of law and a just legal system.
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