Arewa Like Minds has called on the Administrator and Chief Executive Officer of the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN), Mrs Imeh Patience Okon, to provide clarification over reported procurement irregularities and allegations of abuse of office and diversion of public funds linked to the institute.
The group made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, by its President, Comr. Abdulhameed Musa Abdullahi, following an investigative report published by Secrets Reporters on the same date.
According to the group, the publication reported that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) issued two separate correspondences to PSIN in July and August 2026 concerning an investigation into alleged abuse of office and fraudulent diversion of funds.
It said the EFCC reportedly requested comprehensive procurement records from the institute, including contract documents, expressions of interest, bid evaluation reports, contract award letters, payment vouchers, contractors’ beneficiary accounts and project completion records.
Arewa Like Minds said the reported developments had raised concerns about transparency, procurement compliance and the management of public resources within an institution responsible for promoting professionalism and accountability in Nigeria’s public service.
The group consequently urged the PSIN administrator to clarify whether the institute received the reported EFCC correspondence and whether the requested procurement documents had been submitted to the commission.
It also called for transparency in the institute’s procurement processes, particularly contracts awarded from January 2025, in line with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2007.
Furthermore, the organisation urged the institute’s management to ensure proper documentation of contract awards, payments and project execution, while providing all lawful assistance required by the EFCC and other relevant oversight institutions.
Emphasising the need to protect the institution’s integrity, Arewa Like Minds said the administration of PSIN should reflect transparency, fairness, professionalism and respect for the rights and welfare of its employees and residents.
However, the group cautioned against prejudging the outcome of any investigation, stressing that an investigation or request for documents does not establish criminal liability.
It maintained that Mrs Okon and every other individual mentioned in connection with the allegations were entitled to the presumption of innocence and a fair opportunity to respond.
Arewa Like Minds said its intervention was not intended to influence the outcome of any investigation but to promote accountability and ensure that public institutions remain answerable to Nigerians.
The organisation urged the PSIN administrator to publicly or institutionally address the concerns raised in the investigative report and reassure Nigerians that the institute’s procurement and financial management processes comply with applicable laws.