By Angela Atabo
Lawyers For Reform Group on Thursday wrote to the Independent and Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to investigate the appointment of Stella Okotete as Executive Director (Business Development) at the Nigeria Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank.
Mr Aare Hassan, Executive Project Director, Lawyers For Reform Group and Principal Partner, Juryman Associates Chambers, said this was because the appointment was against the Central Bank of Nigeria’s criteria for approved persons’ regime for financial institutions.
Hassan said the group had earlier submitted a petition to President Muhammadu Buhari, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, the ninth National Assembly Senate President, as well as the European Union, UK and US embassies among others.
He said that the group has since then patiently waited for the seven days ultimatum given and no action has been taken so it decided to take the matter to court.
Sir, we urgently reiterate our stance for a proper investigation of Stella Okotete by the Independent and Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) over the unimplemented Senate Report based on the resolved Petition submitted by Myson Law Practice led by Mr Myson Nejo.
It was submitted on behalf of the Ilaje Global Think Thank Initiative, which recommended that Stella Okotete should be immediately removed.
This is in compliance with the Order 41(3) of the Senate Rule; which culminated into a well investigated statutory report for onward implementation by President Muhammadu Buhari dating since April, 2019.
This was via the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition’s Resolution signed by the Committee’s Chairman, Senator Samuel Anyawu, with Freedom Osolo as Clerk of the Committee alongside twelve other distinguished other Senators.’’
Hassan said the group was using this medium to draw the general public’s attention to the irregularities going on in the bank.
In compliance with the Central Bank of Nigeria Act Regulations and Order 41(3) of the Senate Rule consequently we reaffirm our fundamental demands by the reason of her lack of capacity not to have met the CBN's statutory requirements.
This is because she has not served in the banking service for 18 years and did not rise to the level of a General Manager for at least two years, hence she is not fit to continue to hold the position.’’
Hassan said that the group through Mr Myson Nejo, a barrister, has filed a law to contest the appointment.