N7.6bn TETfund project: Reports of my detention by ICPC false, says contractor

Paul Chukwuma, a contractor with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has dismissed reports that he was detained by Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). 

Chukwuma is the founder of Fides et Ratio Academy, an educational service provider.

On April 18, TheCable reported how TETfund awarded two contracts to Fides Et Ratio Academy and Pole Global Marketing (PGM) within two months at the cost of N3.8 billion respectively.

The contract awards were without the approval of the federal executive council (FEC).

The contract was to provide capacity building course and learning management systems to about 2 million students across higher institutions in the country.

However, TETFund, in a rejoinder, said it was wrong to say they were contracts whereas they were ICT projects implemented under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) which doesn’t require competitive bidding in public procurement.

During the week, there were reports that Chukwuma was detained when he honoured an invitation by the anti-graft agency on Tuesday.

In a statement on Thursday, Obi Chukwuemeka, Chukwuma’s media assistant, said the businessman was in his office and not in detention.

He said Chukwuma has not violated any contractual obligations and that his company was built on transparency.

“Our attention has been drawn to a false report circulating on Anambra social media platforms and other news outlets, alleging that Sir Paul Chukwuma is being detained by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). We wish to state categorically that this report is entirely false,” the statement reads.

“Sir Paul Chukwuma is currently at work in his office and is not in detention.

“Fides et Ratio, founded by Sir Paul Chukwuma, has always complied with contractual obligations and adhered to the principles of accountability and transparency.

“The ICPC has the mandate to supervise contractual requirements and request documents to ensure compliance. Once requested, every law-abiding company is required to comply with the agency’s request and provide requested documentation.

“Fides et Ratio will continue to collaborate with the ICPC to demonstrate adherence to regulatory provisions, as the company is built on transparency and respect for the law.”

In April, the ICPC said it detained Sonny Echono, TETfund executive secretary.

However, Echono told TheCable that he was in his office and had not been invited by the ICPC.

He said one of TETFund directors was briefly detained by the anti-graft agency and had been released.