BY CHUKS COLLIN, AWKA
AN All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant in next year’s Anambra State governorship election, Mr. Paul Chukwuma, has dismissed a media report that he was arrested and subsequently detained by the Independent Corrupt Practices and related offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged diversion of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) contract of about N3.8billion, following his inability to meet stringent bail conditions.
According to the report, Chukwuma, a former national auditor of APC, was purportedly arrested in connection with award of contract by TETFUND to his firm, for which he was paid N2.9billion in four installments without following due processes.
The report also claimed that his detention followed inability to immediately meet the stringent bail conditions by the anti-graft agency.
But in reaction to the rports, Chukwuma’s media aide, Obi Chukwuemeka, while describing the report as entirely false, said “contrary to the misleading information, Chukwuma is currently at work in his office and is not in detention.”
He said the company in question, Fides et Ratio, founded by Chukwuma, “has consistently complied with contractual obligations and adhered to the principles of accountability and transparency.”
Chukwuemeka stressed that the ICPC has the mandate to supervise contractual requirements and request documents to ensure compliance, adding that as a law-abiding company, Fides et Ratio would continue to collaborate with it to demonstrate adherence to regulatory provisions, as “the company is built on transparency and respect for the law.”
Chukwuma has faced media attacks, including from opponents in his political party, since he indicated interest to run for the governorship race.
