Haruna Kolo, a former desk officer for the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), has publicly confessed to receiving bribes in exchange for assurances of employment on behalf of Farida Dankaka, the beleaguered chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC).

Kolo’s admission came on Monday during his appearance before the ad-Hoc committee of the House of Representatives, which is investigating allegations of mismanagement within federal ministries, departments, agencies, parastatals, and tertiary institutions, particularly concerning the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). The committee is probing claims of money collection from job seekers.

The former IPPIS official revealed that he accumulated over N75 million through his personal account at Eco Bank. He acknowledged making cash payments to the FCC Chairman in multiple installments, as directed by her….CONTINUE READING

Kolo disclosed that he resigned from the FCC on November 2, 2022, and joined the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

Despite this change, he continued to receive salary payments from the FCC twice. He reported this anomaly to the FCC’s Human Resource officer, who assured him it would be addressed.

He stated, “Upon her arrival at the Federal Character as the executive Chairman, she appointed me as a protocol officer, a role in which I diligently executed my duties.”

Addressing the job racketeering allegations, Kolo explained, “The FCC Chairman instructed me to collaborate with Mr. Shehu, who is a personal driver and PA to the Taraba state commissioner.

In my capacity as a desk officer, I was responsible for guiding individuals employed for IPPIS enrollment. No one could undergo the process without a letter signed by the Chairman or the FCC’s Human Resource officer.”

He continued, “Whenever new employment occurred, she would sign the letter, which I would then take to the Accountant General’s office for processing.

Mr. Shehu facilitated individuals who paid money for job placements; some paid 1 million naira, while others paid 1.5 million naira, all directly to my personal Eco Bank account. She instructed me to hand her cash, which I did via POS transactions, leaving no trace of transfers.”

Addressing claims of working at seven places simultaneously, Kolo refuted the allegation, asserting it was based on assumptions.

Regarding his tenure at AMCON, Kolo suggested the FCC chairman orchestrated his placement there. However, he indicated that Dankaka became upset because her own sister, who is over fifty years old, was rejected by the same organization.

Kolo expressed concern for his safety, stating that threats on his life have even escalated to gunpoint. He held Dankaka accountable, indicating that she should be held responsible if any harm befalls him.