A Network Of Civil Society Organizations In Nigeria, has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to address the longstanding case of tax clearance certificate forgery and other allegations against the former Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Philip Shaibu,
The coalition, led by National Coordinator, Comrade Victor Kalu and National Secretary, Alhaji Ali Abatcha, respectively, speaking during a press conference in Abuja, called on ICPC to break its long silence on the matter and bring it to a conclusive end.
Recall, In 2014, Hon. Shaibu was arraigned before the Edo State High Court under Justice Esther Edigion on a six-count charge for allegedly violating the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Among the charges, Shaibu was accused of making false statements to ICPC officers in July 2010, claiming employment with Zaknote Ventures Nigeria Limited from 2003 to 2006.
He was also alleged to have fraudulently obtained a tax clearance certificate from the Edo State Board of Internal Revenue in November 2006.
According to the group, despite these serious allegations, the case has seen numerous adjournments without a definitive conclusion.
The ICPC counsel, Barr. Godson Igbadume, opposed bail for Shaibu, citing his evasion of service. However, the case has since stagnated, raising concerns among the civil society groups.
“We demand the ICPC explain to Nigerians how this matter was concluded or revisit it to ensure a lawful resolution,” said Kalu.
“The Edo State High Court and of course our entire Judiciary should remain focused and committed in upholding the rule of law and interpreting our laws adequately.
“The case of forgery, misinformation of the public with false information should be meted with relevant punishment in line with our laws to serve as a deterrent to everybody. Nobody should be treated as been above the law.
“As law abiding citizens, we shall not take laws in to our hands in this matter but we must make show that our relevant enabling laws as a democratic nation are upheld, promoted and interpreted accordingly through legitimate means by compelling both the ICPC and the Judiciary to do the needful in this matter of forgery involving a lawmaker that understands the implication of violating such laws.
“Our members and partner groups are on standby for a legitimate action while waiting for a quickest response and action by ICPC in revisiting the matter for national peace and cohesion.
