Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo, an activist and former gubernatorial candidate in Anambra State, has accused the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) of attempting to suppress his petition against Governor Charles Soludo and three of his appointees for alleged misconduct.
In his petition dated April 14, 2025, Okonkwo alleged that Soludo and his appointees received a donation of N30 million from 60 support groups endorsing the governor for the upcoming November 8 gubernatorial election.
Due to the lack of timely investigation into his complaint, Okonkwo has threatened legal action if the CCB does not respond within two weeks. He expressed concerns about a potential cover-up by the bureau, stating that since his petition was submitted two months ago, no action has been taken.
He stated, “I fear there is an intention by the CCB to conceal this petition. I am hereby giving the Chairman of the CCB two weeks to address my petition. If there is no action, I will pursue court proceedings against the commission.”
On April 5, 2025, the All Soludo Support Groups (ASSG) presented a symbolic bank cheque of N30 million to Soludo during a rally at the International Conference Centre in Awka. This donation was intended to cover the governorship nomination fee for Soludo’s re-election candidacy with the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).
The contributors, including politicians and other stakeholders, regarded this gesture as a demonstration of their confidence in Soludo’s leadership.
However, in his April 14 petition, Okonkwo accused Soludo, Finance Commissioner Izuchukwu Okafor, Special Adviser on Political Matters Dr. Obi Obiogbolu, and Chukwuemeka Julius, the head of the Soludo Fans Club, of violating the Code of Conduct for public officers as stipulated in Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended). He charged them with fraudulent misrepresentation, money laundering, and betrayal of public trust.
Moreover, Okonkwo claimed that their actions contravened their oaths of office, which require public officials to avoid conflicts of interest, uphold the Constitution, and adhere to the Code of Conduct.
He urged the bureau to promptly investigate the allegations against Soludo and his appointees to maintain the integrity of governance in the nation.
The petition detailed specific violations of the Code of Conduct, asserting that public officials cannot allow personal interests to interfere with their duties or accept bribes or inducements in exchange for favors or official actions.
