Shockwave: Civil Society Demands ICPC Uphold Justice Amidst Forgery Claims Against APC Candidate

A coalition of civil society organisations has issued a strong appeal to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), urging the anti-graft agency to resist any attempts to influence or discontinue its investigation into serious allegations of forgery, conflict of interest, and abuse of public office. These allegations are directed against Engr. Toyin Okoro Zacchaeus, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Ekiti South Federal Constituency.

The call was made during a press conference held in Abuja on Friday, where Victor Kalu, the convener of the coalition, detailed the accusations against Zacchaeus. Kalu stated that the APC candidate had already been interrogated by the ICPC concerning these allegations, which reportedly stem from his activities prior to securing the APC candidacy. Specifically, the concerns relate to his tenure as a Senior Legislative Aide to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

During his service as a Senior Legislative Aide, it is alleged that Engr. Toyin Okoro Zacchaeus failed to resign from his concurrent positions as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of a private company. Furthermore, the coalition claims that this private company subsequently secured contracts from various government agencies during the period when Zacchaeus was also drawing a salary from the National Assembly. This alleged dual role and financial benefit form the core of the conflict of interest and abuse of public office allegations.

The civil society coalition emphatically called upon the ICPC to maintain its resolve in pursuing the investigation and subsequent prosecution of this matter. Kalu underscored the importance of ensuring that anyone found to have transgressed the law is prosecuted rigorously and in strict adherence to due process, irrespective of their societal standing or political affiliations. He further appealed to the commission to remain steadfast in upholding President Bola Tinubu's anti-corruption agenda.

While stating that the coalition was not issuing an ultimatum due to their commitment to peaceful advocacy, Kalu nevertheless urged the ICPC to intensify its efforts in prosecuting the case. The coalition reiterated its firm belief that these allegations warrant a thorough investigation, and any individual found culpable must face the full consequences of the law.