The Everybody Must Serve Campaign has called on the Gwagwalada Area Council administration under Chairman Hon. Kasim Mohammed to make a public statement and ensure a transparent investigation into the reported arrest of a newly appointed technical partner over alleged signature forgery linked to contract acquisition, warning that it may approach a court of competent jurisdiction if the matter is not addressed.
The National Coordinator of the campaign, Maxwell, made the demand in an interview with Chronicles Reporters, insisting that the circumstances surrounding the reported arrest raise questions that deserve clear answers from the council. He said the campaign would not be satisfied with silence where allegations involving public contracts and the integrity of official processes are concerned.
Maxwell called for a public inquiry into the incident, arguing that residents of Gwagwalada deserve to know what happened, how the alleged forgery was discovered, whether any contracts were obtained through the disputed process and what steps the council is taking to protect public resources.
According to the campaign coordinator, the alleged act reportedly dates back to the administration of former chairman Abu Giri. Maxwell argued that the historical context makes it necessary for the council to establish the facts and determine whether the incident has any implications for contracts, financial obligations or administrative decisions inherited by the present government.
He also criticised what he described as the financial burden left behind by the previous administration, alleging that the council has been affected by debts and other governance concerns. These claims, however, require documentary evidence and an official account from the relevant authorities before their extent and connection to the current matter can be independently established.
“The public deserves to know what happened. If a signature was allegedly forged to obtain contracts, the council must explain the circumstances, identify the relevant contractual processes and tell the people what is being done about it,” Maxwell told Chronicles Reporters.
The campaign maintained that its demand is not simply about the arrest of an individual but about establishing accountability and ensuring that public institutions do not leave serious questions about contract administration unanswered. It argued that any investigation should examine the relevant documents, determine whether contracts were obtained through unlawful means and establish whether public funds or the council’s financial obligations were affected.
Maxwell warned that if the council failed to issue an official statement and provide a credible process for public scrutiny, the campaign would consider seeking legal redress.
He said the organisation was prepared to approach a court of competent jurisdiction to seek appropriate remedies if the council did not respond to its demands, stressing that public accountability should not depend solely on the willingness of government officials to volunteer information.
The position places renewed attention on the administration of Hon. Kasim Mohammed, which now faces calls to clarify the incident and demonstrate how it intends to address the allegations. A transparent response could help distinguish the actions of the current administration from any alleged misconduct associated with previous administrations while reassuring residents that contractual irregularities, if established, will be dealt with according to law.
However, the demand for a public inquiry must be balanced with the rights of the suspect and the integrity of any ongoing investigation. Allegations of forgery do not, by themselves, establish criminal guilt, and any finding of wrongdoing must be supported by evidence and determined through the appropriate legal process.
As of the time of filing this report, the chairman and the council’s Senior Special Assistant on Media had yet to provide an official response to inquiries concerning the reported arrest and investigation. Chronicles Reporters has also not received an official statement confirming the full circumstances of the incident or setting out the council’s position on the campaign’s demands.
The Everybody Must Serve Campaign’s call now raises a broader question about public accountability in Gwagwalada: will the council provide sufficient information to address public concerns, or will the dispute progress into a legal confrontation?
For residents, the central issue remains whether the allegations will be thoroughly investigated, whether any contracts or financial obligations affected by the incident will be examined and whether the findings will be communicated transparently without compromising due process.
Chronicles Reporters will continue to monitor the matter and seek responses from the Gwagwalada Area Council, the chairman, the relevant media office and other parties connected to the allegations.
The campaign’s threatened legal action remains a stated intention at this stage. Any subsequent court proceedings, official findings or responses from the council will be reported as further verified information becomes available.