A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Paul Chukwuma has debunked a report on the social media, claiming he was arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
An online platform, Premium Times, and other outlets have bandied the news of the alleged detention of Dr Chukwuma, Founder and promoter of Fides Et Ratio Academy, an educational service provider, ICPC over alleged involvement in a contract scandal currently rocking the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
It said Mr Chukwuma was detained upon honouring ICPC invitation at the anti-graft agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
The platform had reported how TETFund awarded a controversial N3.8 billion contract to Mr Chukwuma’s company and paid N2.9 billion to the company in four installments without following due processes.
But according to the Media Assistant to Dr Chukwuma, Mr Obi Chukwuemeka who spoke with TNC correspondent, the report is a fabricated falsehood, misleading handiwork of idle minds.
He said, “Our attention has been drawn to a false report circulating on Anambra social media platforms and news outlets regarding Fides et Ratio, Sir Paul Chukwuma, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and stated that it was a false and mere fabrication concocted by political jobbers.
According to the statement, “We categorically declare that this report is entirely false, a mere fabrication meant to mislead, misinform and malign the hard-earned reputation of Dr Chukwuma.”
He disclosed that “Dr Chukwuma is currently in his office, performing his normal duties without any hindrance. He is not in detention.
“Fides et Ratio, founded by Sir Paul Chukwuma, has consistently complied with its contractual obligations and adhered to the principles of accountability and transparency.
“The ICPC, as a legally established institution, has the mandate to supervise contractual requirements and request relevant documents to ensure compliance.
“Fides et Ratio will continue to collaborate with the ICPC and any other authorized body to demonstrate adherence to regulatory provisions, as the company is built on transparency and respect for the law.”
The statement urged the general public to disregard the misleading and vexatious publication.
