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GICN Accuses Nigeria Police of Witch-Hunt Against President Edward Omaga Over Alleged Corruption Exposure

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By Comfort Olayinka

The Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN) has condemned the Nigeria Police Force for declaring its president, Barr. Edward Omaga, wanted over alleged criminal defamation and other charges.

GICN alleges the police’s actions are a deliberate attempt to silence whistleblowers following the group’s exposure of corruption within Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB).

Despite taking legal action to address the issue, the police reportedly went as far as watch-listing Omaga’s passport, blocking his bank accounts, and publicly declaring him a criminal.

GICN insists that the charges are an abuse of power and a tactic to suppress activism and cover up corruption.

“Rather than call the group to write a statement in support of the report, the Police acting through DCP Ibrahim Zungura sent an invitation letter dated 10th October 2024 to Barr. Edward Omaga, asking him to come and answer questions connected to his commission of the offences of Criminal Defamation, Cyberbullying, Economic Sabotage, and Conduct likely to Cause a Breach of Public Peace. This is nothing short of an attempt to make the hunter become the hunted.”

“With this development, GICN and its leadership felt threatened that injustice was looming. They quickly filed court cases to wit; GICN Vs. CBN & 7 Ors. – SUIT NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/1549/2024, GICN Vs. IGP – Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/742/24, EDWARD OMAGA Vs. DIG & 6 Ors. – Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1588/24 and EDWARD OMAGA v. INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE & 2 Ors. – Suit No. CV/5181/2024. “

“Despite the fact that these cases were served on all parties, the Police went ahead to take so many illegal actions. First, they watch-listed the International Passport of Barr. Edward Omaga  and blocked his bank accounts. Then they proceeded to declare him wanted in the media today as if he was a common criminal. “

“No doubt, the present ordeal of Barr. Edward Omaga in the hands of Police reflects a typical scenario where corruption fights back with vigour. In a country like Nigeria where those in power can easily manipulate the system to protect their interests, it is not uncommon for whistleblowers and activists to find themselves on the receiving end of threats, intimidation, and in some cases, prosecution. “

“The allegations contained in the GICN’s report are not trivial; they concern the integrity of one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions and its top executives. In any functioning democracy, such allegations would prompt a serious and independent investigation to ascertain their veracity or otherwise. “

“Nigeria is not a banana republic where the rule of law can be easily trampled upon. Whistleblowers and activists play a vital role in strengthening democracy and ensuring accountability. Therefore, any attempt to breach their fundamental rights must be frontally resisted. Let it be known that GICN will immediately take appropriate steps to quash the illegal actions of the Police both in Nigerian and ECOWAS Courts. “

“The case of corruption fighting back is not new, but it is one that we must continually resist. The power of the people when united is greater than the people in power. As long as there are those willing to speak out against injustice, there will always be hope for a better Nigeria. We call on other sister Civil Society Organizations and Media Outfits to join us in this campaign for justice. Today, it is Barr. Edward Omaga being hunted down, tomorrow it could be any other citizen of Nigeria.”

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Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management Advocates Digitisation of Procurement Processes, Rolls Out New Website

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By Joel Ajayi


The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN) has unveiled a revamped website as part of its broader push to accelerate the digitisation of procurement processes across the country.


The relaunch was announced at the institute’s 16th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Wednesday in Abuja, where the North Central Coordinator of CIPSMN, Abdul Mamman, said the initiative would strengthen real-time information sharing, expand member participation and align the profession with global best practices.


Mamman warned that organisations and professionals who failed to embrace digital procurement risked being left behind in an increasingly technology-driven environment.


According to him, the upgraded website is designed to provide members with timely feedback, wider engagement and access to real-time information within and outside Nigeria.
“By adopting digital procurement systems and platforms, we create opportunities to save time and efficiently analyse large volumes of activities involved in procurement,” Mamman said.


“When you are digitalised, your coverage is wider and information is shared instantly. That is why we are relaunching our website—to ensure broader participation and enable every member to access real-time information.”


He added that the institute was positioning its members to meet global standards in procurement and supply chain management through the adoption of emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence and data analytics.


Mamman explained that the institute’s objective was to add value to procurement by promoting proper sourcing systems, relevant skills, recognised credentials and practical competence.
He also called on the Federal Government to strengthen procurement governance by inaugurating the National Council of Public Procurement, describing it as a critical policy-making body.


“We are appealing to President Bola Tinubu to inaugurate the National Council of Public Procurement,” he said.


“Once inaugurated, the council will oversee procurement activities and report directly to the President, ensuring greater transparency and accountability.”


In his remarks, the President of CIPSMN, Alhaji Sikiru Balogun, said the AGM provided an opportunity to assess the institute’s progress and outline an action plan for 2026.


Balogun disclosed that a major priority for the coming year was securing presidential assent to a bill already passed by the National Assembly, seeking to amend the institute’s name from Purchasing and Supply Management to Procurement and Supply Management.


“The bill has been passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. What we now seek is presidential assent,” he said.


“The name change is to align the institute with global best practices and reflect the true scope of the profession worldwide.”


Also speaking, the Registrar of the institute, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, described the 2025 AGM as successful, noting growing recognition of procurement as a critical driver of economic development.


Aliyu said the institute remained committed to promoting professionalism, ethical conduct and best practices in procurement, a sector he noted accounts for a significant portion of the national budget.


He called for stricter professionalism in the sector, lamenting what he described as the encroachment of unqualified “mid-career professionals” into procurement roles.


“This is not ideal and is unethical,” he said.
“Our focus in the coming year is to ensure that the profession takes its rightful place, with qualified practitioners occupying procurement positions in both the public and private sectors.”


Aliyu expressed confidence that strengthening professionalism in procurement would support the economic reform agenda of the Tinubu administration and enhance transparency and efficiency in public spending.

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