Gabriel Ameh
coalition of civil society organisations operating under the Civil Society Alliance Against Corruption and Abuse of Office (CSAACAO) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order a comprehensive investigation into allegations of misconduct against Surveyor Akande Moruf Adetunji and remove him from public office pending the outcome of the probe.
The coalition made the demand in an open letter jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Gbenga Akande, and National Secretary, Comrade Ishaya Abdullaziz, on behalf of 20 affiliated civil society organisations.
According to the coalition, the petition raises allegations of professional misconduct, abuse of office, intimidation, misuse of official authority for personal benefit, sponsorship of defamatory publications against another public officer, unethical conduct, media manipulation, and alleged administrative and financial irregularities during Adetunji’s tenure.
CSAACAO further alleged that Adetunji is involved in an ongoing court matter and claimed that a bench warrant had reportedly been issued for his arrest. The coalition argued that if the claim is confirmed, it would be inconsistent with continued service in a sensitive public office.
The group also alleged that Adetunji had reached the statutory retirement age but had yet to complete his retirement process, claiming he failed to submit the required retirement documents and withheld official records. It maintained that, if established, such actions could constitute violations of the Public Service Rules, the Pension Reform Act and the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.
The coalition warned that allowing a public official facing such allegations to remain in office could erode public confidence in the Federal Government’s anti-corruption agenda, weaken accountability within the civil service and create the perception that misconduct is tolerated.
While acknowledging the constitutional presumption of innocence, CSAACAO stressed that public officials occupying sensitive positions should step aside whenever credible allegations are made against them until investigations are concluded.
Among its recommendations, the coalition urged President Tinubu to remove Adetunji from office in the public interest, direct a full investigation into all allegations against him, and mandate the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the reported court matter and other related issues.
The coalition further requested that any individual found culpable after due investigation should be prosecuted in accordance with Nigerian law.
Copies of the petition were also sent to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Federal Civil Service Commission and the ICPC.
As of the time of filing this report, Surveyor Akande Moruf Adetunji had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the petition. The allegations remain unverified, and the Presidency has not issued an official response.
