Appearing before the House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating job racketeering in Federal Government agencies, Alakai refuted claims of involvement in any corrupt practices related to job placements within Ministries, Departments, or Agencies (MDAs).
The ongoing investigation was prompted by Mr Musa Ibrahim, who appeared before the committee on August 14 and alleged that he and nine others had paid substantial sums of money into the account of Mr Abdullahi Ibrahim, purportedly acting as a middleman for the commissioner.
Mr Musa Ibrahim claimed that these payments were made as a means to secure job opportunities facilitated by Alhaji Manman Alakai.
However, Alhaji Manman Alakai categorically denied these allegations during his testimony.
He acknowledged being acquainted with Ibrahim but firmly contradicted Ibrahim's assertion that he was employed as his Personal Assistant. Alakai clarified that Ibrahim had never worked as his aide within the FCC.
Providing his account of events, Alakai disclosed, "A traditional ruler in Nasarawa called to inform me that one of my aides collected money from him for job slots.
I asked that the number be tracked by the police, and I discovered it was Ibrahim, and I wrote a petition to the police, and he was traced.
When they went to his house, the police found a uniform of the Nigerian Correctional Service. He claimed that he worked there. I was told that the people he defrauded have gone to court."
Alakai challenged the committee to conduct a thorough investigation into his financial records to validate or refute the allegations made against him. He stated, "My account is open for the committee to scrutinise since Ibrahim claimed he paid money to me for job slots."
Responding to Alakai's statements, Rep. Yusuf Gagdi, the chairman of the committee, highlighted that approximately nine individuals had evidence of funds being transferred to Ibrahim. Gagdi emphasised that Alakai had been summoned to provide evidence in light of Ibrahim's claims.
Expressing frustration over Musa Ibrahim's absence from the proceedings, the chairman asserted, "You can't come and make public allegations against any public officer without coming to substantiate it.
We have nothing to say to you further because the people making allegations are not here; if they are not acting a script, they should be here to give further evidence."
Chairman Gagdi emphasised the committee's commitment to ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the investigation. He warned against baseless accusations and affirmed that evidence-based testimonies were crucial in upholding the integrity of the process.
In conclusion, the chairman reaffirmed the committee's dedication to uncovering any potential wrongdoing and restoring trust in the recruitment process.
He highlighted two critical issues that the investigation had exposed within the commission: allegations against the chairman and the alleged sale of job slots among commissioners.
Other government agencies, including the Corporate Affairs Commission, National Universities Commission, and Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, also provided accounts of their recruitment processes during the hearing.
The investigation continues as part of the committee's efforts to maintain accountability and fairness in employment practices within federal agencies.