Controversy Surrounding Ministerial Nominee Stella Okotete: Allegations of ‘Abuse of Office’ and Forgery Under Investigation.
President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial nominee from Delta State, Stella Okotete, finds herself embroiled in a whirlwind of controversy. The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has launched an investigation into allegations of “Abuse of Office” against her. This investigation has cast a shadow over her inclusion in the list of 28 ministerial nominees sent by President Tinubu for screening at the National Assembly, scheduled to commence next week.
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The CCB’s letter to Okotete, dated 21st March 2023, bearing the file number CCB/HQ/II&M/007/NB/099, revealed that she is under scrutiny for potential breaches of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers. Dr. Gwimi S.P., the Director of Intelligence and Monitoring (II&M), signed the letter, urging her to furnish the Bureau with certified true copies of various documents.
These documents include copies of her letters of appointment, promotion letters, record of service, and payslips from 2019 to the present. The CCB also sought information on all loans processed and approved under her watch, as well as acknowledgment slips of all assets declarations made to the Bureau since joining the public service.
Additionally, they requested documentation concerning her buildings and landed properties, both within Nigeria and abroad. Lastly, the Bureau sought access to her personal bank account statements from January 2019 to date.
The CCB’s request is based on the constitutional mandate and powers vested in the Bureau by the 3rd Schedule, Part 1, Paragraph 3(e) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. Furthermore, the request finds its basis in Section 137(a) and (b) and Section 138(a) and (b) Panel Cede laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990, as well as Section 104 of the Evidence Act 2011.
2019 Report Indictes Stella Okotete.
In a separate but equally damning revelation, the 2019 report of the Nigerian Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions adds to Okotete’s troubles.
According to the report, she was indicted for forgery, and the committee recommended either her voluntary resignation or dismissal due to fraudulent misrepresentation.
The 8th Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Samuel N. Anyanwu at the time, found her guilty after thoroughly reviewing both oral and written submissions from the petitioners, Myson Law Practice on Behalf of Ilaje Global Think Tank Initiative, and Stella Okotete. The report exposed that Okotete had misrepresented her qualifications to hold the position of Executive Director at the bank.
Among the committee members who signed the report were Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Senator Mohammed Shitu, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, Senator Jeremiah Useni, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, Senator Dino Melaye, Senator Omotayo Alasoadura, Senator Binta Garba Masi, Omogunwa Yele, and Senator Philip Gyunka.
Police Action Report on Stella Okotete.
Adding to the controversy, a petition from Barrister Aare Oladotun Hassan Esq of Juryman Associate Chambers has been submitted to the Senate, urging the disqualification of Okotete as a Ministerial designate. The petition highlights a pending case against her at the Federal High Court with No: FHC/ABJ/C8/2233/2023. The case pertains to allegations of serial false misrepresentation and forgery.
Based on the pending case, the petition points out various violations, including violation of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s regulations on the appointment of Heads of Financial Institutions, contemptuous violation of Senate rulings, and non-implementation of the 2019 Senate resolution on her removal recommendation over fraudulent misrepresentation. It also questions the authenticity of her NYSC records and raises concerns about her qualifications and fulfillment of duties as the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM).
CTN Asks Senate to Reject Stella Okotete’s Nomination as Minister
Adding to the chorus of objections, the Campaign for Transparency Network (CTN) calls for the rejection of Okotete’s nomination based on her questionable academic records. The Programme Director, Ebube Nwanka, alleges that Okotete lacks a School Leaving Certificate and had unresolved carryovers in four courses during her undergraduate studies. The University of Port Harcourt reportedly refused to approve her graduation due to these carryovers. The CTN further contends that her presented NYSC certificate is fake.
As the screening of ministerial nominees approaches, Stella Okotete’s future hangs in the balance. Multiple investigations and allegations of “Abuse of Office” and forgery have cast serious doubts on her suitability for a ministerial position. The National Assembly’s deliberations will undoubtedly be closely watched as the fate of the embattled nominee is determined.
Buhari the Mr integrity refused to remove her despite the allegations and recommendations from Senate