The International Whistleblowers Network (IWBN) has petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over alleged unlawful financial operations by the Gwagwalada Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, accusing the outgoing chairman, Hon. Abu Giri, of operating the council without an approved budget.
In the petition dated May 9, 2026 and signed by the group’s FCT Regional Coordinator and Executive Director, Augustus Saint, the organisation alleged that the council had continued to spend public funds despite failing to secure legislative approval for its fiscal budget.
The petition, addressed to the chairman of the anti-corruption agency in Abuja, described the development as “a deliberate assault on the rule of law, separation of powers, and the fight against corruption.”
According to the group, the Executive Arm of the council allegedly embarked on a budget retreat in Kaduna involving executive council members, staff, and some legislative officials, using public funds, but failed to produce or transmit any appropriation bill to the legislative arm afterwards.
IWBN claimed that the Legislative Arm of the council, led by Speaker RT Mohammed G Ibrahim, had publicly confirmed that no appropriation bill had been submitted for the current fiscal year.
“Despite this, the Executive Arm continues to authorize and spend government funds on salaries, contracts, administrative costs, and other expenditures,” the petition stated.
The group argued that such spending violated constitutional provisions and fiscal regulations guiding public expenditure.
“The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) is unambiguous: no public funds shall be withdrawn from any treasury except pursuant to an appropriation law,” the petition read.
IWBN further alleged that the actions of the chairman and other officials could amount to official corruption, abuse of office, unlawful expenditure of public funds, and violations of procurement laws under the ICPC Act, Fiscal Responsibility Act, Penal Code, and Public Procurement Act.
Describing the situation as “deliberate executive lawlessness,” the organisation warned that continued operation without a budget undermines accountability and exposes public funds to alleged diversion and misuse.
“This is the hallmark of a Banana Republic, not a democracy governed by the rule of law,” the petition added.
The organisation called on the ICPC to launch an immediate investigation into all financial transactions carried out by the council since the beginning of the fiscal year, suspend further withdrawals pending the outcome of investigations, and invite key officials for questioning.
Those listed for questioning include Abu Giri, members of the Executive Council, the Treasurer, the Director of Finance, and officials involved in the budget retreat.
IWBN also urged the commission to preserve all financial records linked to the council’s spending activities and prosecute any individuals found culpable.
“We urge the Commission to act decisively, transparently, and without fear or favour,” the petition concluded. #Securitynewsalert.com
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