• 17 civil society groups tender apology
• Set to withdraw petitions before EFCC
• Say allegations false, unfounded
. As chief of staff visits anti-corruption agency
By Dauda Isma’il and Jibrin Ndanusa
Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, CCSO, a consortium of 17 registered civic groups, has formally withdrawn allegations of financial misconduct recently levelled against the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, and his Chief of Staff, Mr Olanrewaju Obasa.
At a press conference held in Abuja, yesterday, the coalition admitted that its earlier position was based on unverified media reports and misinformation circulated online. It announced that a joint emergency review had revealed the accusations to be “entirely false, baseless, and deliberately fabricated” by forces opposed to ongoing procurement reforms.
Addressing journalists, the coalition’s leadership said member organisations had extensively scrutinised official documents and engaged directly with the BPP, after which it became evident that the allegations of monetising ‘Certificates of No Objection’ and other financial infractions were unfounded.
In a rare and emphatic reversal, the coalition tendered an unreserved public apology to Dr. Adedokun, Mr Obasa, the management and staff of the BPP, the Minister of Finance, and the Federal Government for the “distress, embarrassment, and reputational harm” caused by its earlier statements.
The CCSO also announced the immediate cancellation of a national protest it had scheduled for December 5, at the BPP headquarters and the National Assembly.
All affiliated groups, state chapters, and zonal coordinators have been directed to suspend mobilisation efforts.
In a significant show of support, the coalition passed a unanimous vote of confidence in Dr. Adedokun, praising his leadership for what it described as “historic achievements” at the Bureau.
“These include the establishment of the Price Intelligence Unit, the Procurement Surveillance and Audit Unit, and a Monitoring and Evaluation Unit aimed at enhancing transparency in federal procurement.
“The coalition further commended the BPP for blocking financial leakages through stricter enforcement of due process, championing the Nigeria First Policy, promoting affirmative procurement, and expanding access to federal contracts for women, youths, and SMEs. It hailed the forthcoming contractor classification and rating system—set for full implementation in January 2026—as a reform capable of ending the award of major government projects to unqualified contractors”, the coalition affirmed.
Reiterating its commitment to transparency and accountability, the CCSO said its willingness to reverse course publicly demonstrated the importance of evidence-based advocacy. “When evidence shows that a public official is not the problem but part of the solution, it is our duty to acknowledge it”, the statement noted.
The coalition urged media organisations, online platforms and individuals who circulated the allegations to retract their reports and correct the record.
It also applauded the BPP leadership for what it termed exemplary transparency and openness to scrutiny—traits it said were hallmarks of genuine reformers.
The press statement was jointly signed by representatives of all seventeen civil society organisations, including the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity, Citizens Watch for Good Governance, Accountability and Democratic Values Initiative, Nigerian Coalition Against Corruption and Waste, Integrity Monitors Network, and others.
The CCSO concluded by reaffirming its commitment to justice, fairness, and the national interest.
CHIEF OF STAFF, MR OLAREWAJU OBASA VISITS EFCC
In a telephone interview with our reporter, the Chief of Staff said he was not invited, but visited the EFCC on his own accord in order to clear his name and that of his boss.
“I can tell you for a fact that I am not corrupt and my boss too is not corrupt. These corruption allegations are the handiwork of blackmailers and detractors who are bent on destroying the reforms the Director General has put in place. The enemies of BPP are frustrated because it has not been business as usual where maladministration thrives.
Some of the key reforms that have displeased detractors, who have now resorted to blackmail, include enhanced transparency and accountability measures. Government agencies are required to submit monthly and quarterly procurement reports, while the BPP now conducts MAPS assessments across Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, to evaluate and strengthen their procurement systems.
“In addition, the Bureau has established several new units to reinforce oversight and transparency, including the Price Intelligence Unit, the Procurement Surveillance and Procurement Audit Unit, and the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit.
“So, it is clear that what they are opposing is proper scrutiny and accountability. In doing so, they are merely attempting to give a dog a bad name in order to hang it. But as the saying goes, ‘a clear conscience fears no accusation’. That is why I went to present myself to the EFCC without being invited.
“The entire session was very cordial, and I told them to investigate me whenever they deem fit. If there are questions they wish me to answer, I will present myself whenever I am invited, because I know I have no skeletons in my cupboard—just like my boss, the Director-General. That is why he fully supported my decision to submit myself voluntarily to the EFCC.
“I must at this juncture state unequivocally that we will sue the petitioners, and they will pay dearly for this reputational damage.
“We cannot continue like this in this country, where public servants are constantly pulled down in the name of blackmail”, Obasa stressed.
