Group Petitions ICPC, Alleges Senate Leader Of Intimidation
The Public Procurement Transparency Group (PPTG), has petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged intimidation by Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Michael Bamidele.
According to the petition, Sen. Bamidele has been threatening the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to award contracts worth One Billion Naira to his preferred companies, which failed to meet technical requirements.
The letter dated 26 August, 2024 and signed by PPTRG Convener, David Udoh, was also addressed to Senate President, Senate Leader, Managing Director Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Director-General of Public Procurement, Senate Committee on Power and House Committee on Power.
The agency said despite the companies’ disqualification, the Senate Leader continues to pressure the agency to clear them for the contracts, boasting about his close relationship with the President and threatening to have the managing
director removed.
According to the letter, “We write to draw your attention to the ongoing intimidation and abuse of influence by the Senate Majority Leader, Michael Bamidele, who has been threatening to get the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, sacked from his position, because he refused to interfere in procurement process in favour of the Senate Leader’s contractors, who failed the Technicals in the agency.
“On the 19th day of February, 2024, the Senate Leader recommended to the Agency, companies he wanted them to award ten projects worth a total of One Billion Naira to, in his constituency.
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“The companies included; THANE INTERNATIONAL LTD, MKKPOINT LIMITED, MO2 CONSULTING LTD, amongst others. Following the publishing of the Pre-qualified companies who are eligible to participate in the financials, it was confirmed that the companies the Senate Leader recommended (unethically) didn’t have the requisite documents to compete for the said contracts, and were not shortlisted.
“Following this revelation, the Senate Leader has since the day of the publication been threatening everyone in the Agency to clear the companies and award the contracts to them even when they don’t have the requisite qualifications. He went on to brag about how close he is to the President and boasted he will have the Managing Director, removed from his position.
All eyes are on the Managing Director of the Agency, we urge him not to give in to this blackmail as we will not relent and will ensure he is prosecuted if there is any irregularities in the procurement process.
Reacting, REA in a post on its official X account debunked the allegation, noting that it lacked merit.
The statement signed by the management read, “The attention of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has been drawn to a petition circulating on social media, which alleges that the Managing Director of the REA is being pressured to compromise the integrity of the Agency’s procurement processes in favour of the Senate Majority Leader.
“We categorically state that these allegations are baseless and without merit. The REA is steadfast in its commitment to upholding transparency, fairness, and due process in all its activities, including procurement.
“Under the current leadership, the Agency has consistently adhered to strict procurement guidelines, ensuring that contracts are awarded solely on merit and technical qualifications.
“The REA values its collaborative relationships with all arms of government and remains focused on delivering its mandate to provide sustainable energy solutions to underserved communities across Nigeria. We urge the public to disregard this baseless narrative and trust in our unwavering dedication to integrity and transparency.”
Also, the Directorate Media and Public Affairs,Office of the Senate Leader, denied the allegation.
“We have noticed with grave concerns diverse vicious attempts to pitch the public against the Senate, its leadership and that National Assembly at large.
“The latest of such attempts was a petition supposedly addressed to Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN) against the Leader of the Senate, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, CON.
“The petition, signed by Convener, Public Procurement Transparency Group, David Udoh, accused Senator Bamidele of intimidating and pressurising Chief Executive Officer, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Mr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu to award contracts to some companies linked to him contrary to the Public Procurement Act, 2007. This allegation is not only baseless, but also without any evidence in support of its claims.”
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
