THE Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) says it will no longer invite Sen. Douye Diri, the Bayelsa governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in last Saturday’s election.
This declaration was made by the CCB through its Director of Intelligence and Monitoring, Sebastian Gwimi in an interview with our reporter.
According to Gwimi, “we have sent several invitations to Sen. Diri to come and respond to allegations made against him concerning his service as deputy chief of staff to Gov. Dickson between 2012 and 2014.
“Instead of coming to meet with the panel, Sen. Diri’s lawyers wrote to us asking for extension of time to allow him campaign. They also accused us of working with the government to frustrate his ambition. Nothing can be further from the truth.”
Gwimi also claimed that the petitioner, Joseph Ambakederimo of the Bayelsa Coalition for Good Governance and Accountability accused the CCB of colluding with Sen. Diri.
“It is sad that these guys don’t know me and they are throwing accusations at me.”
The director confirmed to our reporter that Sen. Diri’s office refused to accept letters sent to his offices at the National Assembly.
“That constitutes obstruction of investigation. We are trying to find out if the Clerk of the National Assembly instructed the Senator’s office to refuse our letters.”
In response to a question Gwimi told Elendu Reports that the CCB was working towards taking Sen. Diri to the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).
“As soon as practicable Sen. Diri shall be arraigned at the CCT.”
It will be recalled that some months ago the Bayelsa Coalition for Good Governance and Accountability petitioned the CCB claiming that Sen. Douye Diri did not declare his assets between 2012 and 2014 when he served as deputy chief of staff to Gov. Dickson of Bayelsa State.
Joseph Ambakederimo had complained that the CCB was being lackadaisical in the handling of his petition.
