Wednesday, 17 February 2016

Budget: ICPC to begin probe of perm secs, DGs


There were indications on Tuesday that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission was set to begin full investigations into the discrepancies and padding of the 2016 Budget.

It was gathered that the ICPC had already carried out preliminary investigations into the discrepancies.
It was learnt that following the preliminary investigations by the ICPC, no fewer than 13 permanent secretaries and directors would be invited when it starts full probe.
Investigations showed that the commission had been looking at the budget in order to identify Ministries, Departments and Agencies, where certain figures are inflated.


A top government official, who confided in The PUNCH, said the commission would begin full investigation anytime from now.

The official, who declined to mention names and the specific ministries of those to be invited, said, “As of now, 13 permanent secretaries and directors will be invited to come and make clarifications.
“We have not reached any conclusion and nobody has been invited, but they will assist us in our investigations and whatever they say, will lead us to the root of the matter (budget padding).”
It was gathered that the commission extended its preliminary investigation to Ministries, Departments and Agencies, where the discrepancies were discovered.

Punch

No comments:

Post a Comment