Conflict of interest? PDP to host INEC auditors with N13 million

by Stanley Azuakola

We cannot know for sure how much is squirreled away in the coffers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). One thing we do know is that the party’s National Auditor, Chief Bode Mustapha has submitted what seems to be a lavish budget of N13.1 million to host auditors from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who will look into the contents of that account for the 2011 financial year.

Mustapha sent an internal memo dated May 14, 2012 to the party’s national chairman, Dr. Bamanga Tukur asking that the N13 million be approved for the purpose of the audit.

[Read how the PDP intends to raise money here]

The memo which was titled, “Hosting of INEC auditors for auditing of PDP account for the year ended 2011,” read thus:

“The National Chairman is to note that INEC will soon appoint an audit firm as external auditor for the purpose of auditing the Account of the Peoples Democratic Party.

“The Audit Unit of the party will host the INEC auditors during the duration of the audit exercise. Your Excellency is therefore invited to approve the sum of N13,100,000 for the purpose. Submitted for your approval, please.”

However, a report from The Punch newspaper noted that the recently ousted Chief of Staff to the PDP chairman, Alhaji Habu Fari, advised the chairman not to approve the request, calling it “outrageous,” and asking that Mustapha comes forward to explain the details.

Fari wrote that, “You may kindly invite the National Auditor to shed more light on what he wants to expend N13, 100,000 on.

“Let him explain the details for guidance and financial discipline, otherwise, this request is outrageous for the purpose of hosting INEC auditors.”

Already, party members are said to be displeased with the idea of budgeting such a sum to host auditors. They worry that it takes away needed funds from more pressing matters.

Meanwhile, sequel to a memo by the PDP National secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the PDP chairman Tukur has approved the production of 772 portraits of himself and the National Secretary.

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