By Ibrahim Abdul’Aziz
Some volunteer members of the Adamawa State Chapter of the Nigeria Red Cross Society, NRCS, have petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, over allegation of fraud against the acting Secretary of the society in the state, Muhammad Saidu-Bello.
The volunteers numbering 35 in number are drawn from Yola North, Girei, Gombi, Numan, Madagali, Michika and Lamurde divisions of the society.
They attached some photocopies of what they described as evidence from an investigative committee constituted by the state governing board of the NRSC that investigated Bello.
Some of the allegations against Bello include diversion of money realized from the society’s shop and guest house located in Yola and Mubi towns respectively as well as non-disbursement of subscription funds of the society.
Other allegations include intimidation of volunteers, engaging non-volunteer members in activities of NRSC, bias in the appointment of officials and misuse of the society’s emblem.
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The petitioners had earlier petitioned the branch Legal Adviser of the society on the allegations against the secretary’s actions.
According to them, the misuse of the society emblem as stipulated by Cap 5 of the amended Statutes of the NRCS is expulsion of violator.
“The use of Red Cross Emblem is regulated by the law, in accordance, with international conventions and any member, volunteer and staff contravening this rule or otherwise misusing the emblem shall be liable to be expelled from the society in addition to any punishment prescribed under the law.
“The alleged official, Muhammad Saidu Bello is on acting capacity for the past four years which contravenes the NRCS amended statutes 2010 exceeding the said period of six months as contained thereof in the amended statutes,” the petitioners stated in their write up.
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Meanwhile, a five-member investigation committee set up by the Governing Board of the Adamawa branch of the NRCS to investigate the allegations against the acting secretary has given its record.
It recommended among others that the branch secretary should be made to explain the whereabouts of over N3 million realized from the society’s guest house and rented shops.
The committee also recommended the disengagement of the branch secretary from the service of Adamawa branch of NRCS in line with the provision of item 7 of the NRCS statutes 2010.
