Workers of Transmission of Nigeria,TCN,have implored the Minister of Power,Engineer Abubakar Aliyu to set up an independent investigation committee that would look into corruption allegation against the company’s General Manager,Project Coordination,Engineer Joseph Ciroma.
The workers,in a petition dated October 29th,2022 and addressed to the Minister,said the development was necessary in order to look at the allegations with a view to clearing Ciroma’s name from the accusations and safeguard the integrity of the Transmission Company of Nigeria,TCN
In the petition sighted by Premium News,the workers accused Ciroma of collaborating with training consultants for kickbacks contrary to 5th schedule of the 1999 Nigerian constitution which prohibits a public officer from accepting property or benefits of any kind for himself in the discharge of his duties.
They also accused the General Manager,Project Coordination,of organizing training for his associates and himself against to any government policy section 9 and 10 of the ICPC Act which also defines the act as corruption.
They said Ciroma allegedly collected monies for training and didn’t attend same which makes him liable to sections 8,9,10 and 11 of the ICPC Act as well as section 46 of the EFCC Act.
The workers added:”And recently,it was alleged that in collaboration with the Procurement Coordinator for AFDB/TCN and TTL Team Task Lead for AFDB TCN project on the contract Lot 2 construction of new 330k Mando/Kaduna to Rimin Zakara/Kano 204km double Circuit Quad Conductor Transmissy Lines.He negotiated with a Chinese and knocked Transtrall Lighting Limited(which has more experience and offered the lowest price),hence they went against the recommended bidder by the evaluation committee.It was alleged that he was promised 1.5mUSD”
The workers said the action of Ciroma contravened all the Nigerian laws,including all the laws of natural justice.
But,Engineer Joseph Ciroma denied all the allegations against him.
He added”I know nothing about this and don’t understand this at all.My office is at the TCN CHQ, 2nd floor i am not faceless. Thank you and note that our doors are opened anytime as we are serving the public”
