More than 300 civil society organisations have announced plans to stage a peaceful protest in Abuja next week, demanding a comprehensive investigation into allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of office against the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono.
The coalition said it would submit formal petitions to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), the Federal Ministry of Education and the Presidency, urging the agencies to investigate the allegations.
The groups made the announcement in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday under the banner of the Coalition of Over 300 Civil Society Organisations and the Civil Society Alliance Against Corruption and Abuse of Office (CSAACAO).
According to the coalition, the allegations circulating in the public domain are serious enough to warrant an independent forensic investigation to establish the facts and ensure accountability.
The organisations argued that TETFund plays a strategic role in financing infrastructure, research, academic development and institutional growth across Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, stressing that officials entrusted with managing such public resources must be held to the highest standards of transparency and accountability.
They called on investigators to scrutinise contracts, procurement processes, financial transactions and administrative decisions linked to the allegations, insisting that no public official should be exempt from investigation because of office or influence.
“We are demanding the immediate invitation and thorough investigation of Mr. Sonny Echono. The allegations currently before the public are too weighty to be ignored. The credibility of TETFund and the integrity of public institutions depend on swift and transparent action,” the coalition said.
The groups also cautioned against any attempt to obstruct investigations or shield individuals from accountability, arguing that Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign must be applied fairly and without exception.
As part of their campaign, the coalition announced plans to hold a peaceful protest in Abuja on Thursday, July 2, during which thousands of civil society activists are expected to march to the offices of the EFCC, ICPC, Code of Conduct Bureau, the Federal Ministry of Education and the Presidency to submit petitions seeking a full forensic investigation into the management of TETFund.
The coalition said the demonstration would be conducted in line with the provisions of the Constitution and encouraged Nigerians who support transparency, accountability and prudent management of public funds to participate.
It added that the campaign was not aimed at persecuting any individual but at promoting accountability, strengthening public institutions and safeguarding resources meant for the development of Nigeria’s education sector.
