The Coalition for Whistleblowers Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF) has called on the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), to take action on corruption allegations against the boss of Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc, Ms Marilyn Amobi, and end alleged victimization of the whistle-blowers at the NBET office.
In a statement signed by 17 member-organisations of the Coalition, CWPPF condemned NBET’s actions against the whistle-blowers and demand that NBET restore the salaries and emoluments of the affected staff members, Abdullahi Sambo and Waziri Bintube, with immediate effect. They added that NIBET should also compensate them for the emotional and psychological trauma they have experienced through the years of injustice and neglect perpetuated by the NBET boss.
It said: “Victimization of whistle-blowers is a breach of Section 27 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.
Detailing the genesis, the Coalition noted that the ordeal of the NIBET staff began in 2017 after they raised a petition addressed to the Minister of Works, Power and Housing alleging misappropriation of funds in the agency. In a letter dated June 13, 2017, NBET management led by Amobi announced an organizational shakeup that culminated in the redeployment and demotion of Abdullahi Sambo from (Head) Internal Audit Unit to Project, Research and People’s Development Department on his extant salary grade level.
CWPPF called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expedite action on the allegations raised by the two whistle-blowers, and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted. It also called on Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to do its duty by investigating these allegations.
