The Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Mr. Joseph Garba Anebi, has denied allegations of misappropriation of equipment fund to the tune of N4billion.
Mr. Anebi, who made the denial in a statement by the spokesperson of the service, Mr. Collins Elechi, said that under his leadership, the fire service had curtailed fire outbreaks across the country.
According to the statement, the author of the story credited to Aljazeera online, was hired to blackmail and tarnish the integrity of the Controller-General who, since assumption of office, had been transparent in his dealings.
It said it was also malicious for anyone to claim that Anebi had promoted only his “relatives and cronies” since he took charge.
Mr. Elechi pointed out that the recent promotion in the service was carried out in good faith without fear or favour, “so the issue of the CG promoting his relatives and his allies sounds funny and it is only aimed at tarnishing his good reputation. It is important to stress here that the CG runs an open-door policy where the media can verify issues emanating from rumours”.
He also stated that there was no proposal in the 2015 budget for the procurement of fire-fighting equipment, adding that the newest equipment in the service was procured 28 years ago.
He, however, disclosed that the service had commenced the process of procuring 55 fire engines worth N5.5bn for effective operations even as it had prioritised the welfare of its personnel to enhance their commitment to duty.
