Nyesom WikeConcerned over alleged misappropriation of funds meant for media outreach in the Federal Capital Territory Administration, a Civil Society Organization, CSO, based in Abuja Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN), has advised the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike of potential financial irregularities in his administration.
The group in a statement issued on Sunday expressed concern that this action if not checked, would not only jeopardize the image of the incumbent FCT Administration but also undermine the trust the media placed on the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike.
In a statement signed by the Executive Secretary of the group, Comrade Ajayi Alfa, alleged that the Director of Press misappropriated over N63 million media funds, thus creating a bad blood between the FCT Administration and the journalists covering the beat.
The statement also revealed that plans have already been perfected to redeploy some correspondents considered as a threat from the FCT beat, thus warning that such a move may be counter productive.
“I am writing to formally bring to the attention of the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, concerns regarding potential financial irregularities involving the Director of Press in the office of the Minister.
“Recent reports and observations by the press corps have raised serious questions about financial transactions and expenditures that may not align with the Civil Service rules and ethical standards.
“The allegations include:
– Transportation allowance for Press Corps that are disbursed in opaque manner. In other words, out of N63 million released, nobody knows the number of media houses that benefit from transportation allowance except him;
– Feature articles that promote the image of the Administration are not paid for;
– Social media and online activities of the Administration is in comatose, persistent demand for 20 per cent of any proceed, and fueling of vehicles that are almost non functional among other unauthorized expenses.
“These issues not only jeopardize the image of the FCT Administration but also undermine the trust we place on the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike.
“I urge you Sir, to initiate a thorough investigation into these matters to ensure transparency and accountability. It is crucial that we uphold the values of ethical profession as watch dog of the society and address any wrongdoing promptly”, the statement noted.
The statement warned that, “misappropriation of media funds by the media handlers can be a significant threat to both the integrity of the FCT Administration and the public”, noting that, “it can also lead to biased reporting, and undermined journalistic standards.”
“Additionally, misappropriation of media funds can hinder essential services, limit investigative journalism, and ultimately harm the Administration the media serves.
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