Presidency forced Ex-IGP Musliu Smith to resign as PSC Chairman over corruption allegations
Contrary to the official position that Wednesday’s resignation as Chairman, Police Service Commission (PSC), by retired Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Musiliu Smith was on health grounds, it has been revealed that the Presidency forced him to suddenly quit based on allegations of high level of corruption.
A PSC Commissioner, Najatu Mohammed, who represents one of the northern zones, was said to have petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Assembly, about three months ago, accusing Smith of involvement in monumental corruption.
She alleged that Smith spent N447million on carpentry work, also paid N200 million for an unknown project and spent N43 million for designing a recruitment portal.
Najatu Mohammed also alleged that some millions of Naira were given to some journalists to make them not to reveal the scam.
According to her, most of the monies approved and paid by Smith did not follow due process.
She was said to have urged the Presidency, the EFCC and National Assembly to conduct discrete investigations on the allegation of corruption against Smith and to consequently sack him.
An exclusive report on the issue by the portal The SUPREME recalled that Smith was sacked as IGP in 2002 by then President, his kinsman, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, when policemen went on strike, first in the history of Nigeria. “Obasanjo appointed Smith in 1999 shortly after the military regime handed over power to Obasanjo as an elected President. Again, staff of the PSC down tools last year over alleged misrule of Smith. He was also relieved of his position under alleged unhealthy circumstance in Lagos,” The SUPREME recalled.
It added: “Before his alleged resignation, the PSC under Smith was enmeshed in crisis of power tussle, with two former IGPs, which resulted in litigation. The crisis rages on even with the present IGP Alkali Usman Baba. The power tussle is on recruitment imbroglio.”
The paper said that its discret investigations at the Presidency revealed that Smith was to be relieved of his position on the strength of the alleged corruption, but was asked to give two weeks notice to resign. “The alleged two weeks notice was said to have expired on Monday September 12, 2022,” according to the report.
Smith’s five year tenure was to expire next year 2023 July.
(News Express)
