Anne Amadi, a candidate for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson position and former Judiciary Chief Registrar, has dismissed allegations linking her to a gold scam. Speaking before the IEBC Selection Panel on Monday, March 25, Amadi denounced the claims as a deliberate attempt to tarnish her reputation.
She clarified that she had resigned from the law firm implicated in the gold scam back in 2014 and was not involved in its operations when the scandal surfaced. Amadi further stated that she had no expertise in gold trading and therefore could not have played any role in the alleged fraudulent activities.
“There was no legitimate reason for me to be listed as the first respondent in that case. I left the firm in 2014 after committing fully to my role in the Judiciary,” she explained.
Amadi asserted that the accusations were unfounded and intended to discredit her integrity and professional standing.
“It was a malicious attack. When you serve in the public sector, you must be prepared for such challenges. Public service is not for the weak-hearted. This was simply an effort to undermine my credibility,” she stated.
The allegations against her first emerged in 2023 when authorities froze her bank accounts as part of an investigation into a gold scam linked to Amadi and Associates Advocates, a law firm she previously managed.
The High Court had issued a freezing order on May 19, 2023, citing her connection to the firm. Additionally, the court extended similar orders on assets belonging to her son, Brian Amadi, who currently oversees the firm’s operations. Despite this, Amadi insists that the accusations were baseless.
She presented evidence to the IEBC panel, including court rulings that cleared her of any wrongdoing. She pointed out that both the High Court and the Court of Appeal ruled in her favor, confirming she had no involvement in the fraudulent dealings.
“The freezing of my accounts was unjustified, and the courts have since vindicated me. This was a deliberate attempt to tarnish my reputation despite my track record in public service,” she said.
Beyond addressing the allegations, Amadi acknowledged the challenges facing the IEBC, particularly in light of concerns over the deaths of key electoral officials in previous election cycles. However, she remained resolute in her belief that the position requires resilience, transparency, and strict adherence to the law.
“If we shy away from serving, then who will step up? I have considered all the risks, and as a patriot, I am ready to take on the responsibility,” she affirmed.
She also reflected on her tenure at the Judiciary, where she worked with three Chief Justices to restore financial accountability and credibility within the institution.
“When I joined the Judiciary in 2014, there were many concerns regarding integrity and financial accountability. At the time, there were over 50 audit queries, but by the time I left, we had reduced them to five, all of which had clear explanations,” she noted.
Amadi emphasized that effective leadership at the IEBC requires a combination of firmness, teamwork, and strategic engagement with commission members to ensure the institution runs smoothly.
“The chairperson must foster collaboration among commission members to achieve the IEBC’s mandate. It is not just about introducing policies but ensuring everyone plays their role effectively,” she concluded.
