Gov. Otti sacks six top Abia civil servants over fraud | Read Details
Six top civil servants in the ministry of Justice, have been sacked by the Abia State Government for allegedly manipulating payroll systems to receive excess salaries.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Chairman, Abia State Civil Service Commission, Pastor Mrs. Eno Eze, the suspects were discovered after an internal audit and administrative inquiry.
The sacked civil servants are:
Mr. Dickson Uche Eze, a Principal Accountant (SGL 12), Mrs. Esther Emeruwa, Senior Accountant (SGL 10), Mrs. Ijeoma Jonathan, Chief Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 14), Mrs. Treasure Isinguzo, Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 13), Mrs. Chioma Victoria Erondu – Principal Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 12) and Mrs. Hannah Ezinne Eze, Senior Executive Officer (General Duties – SGL 09).
“The government notes, however, that Mrs. Chioma Favour Madu, also initially investigated, has been cleared of wrongdoing, having promptly reported the overpayment and taken immediate steps to correct it.
“Additionally, the investigation raised serious concerns about the possible complicity of some members of the Salary Committee in the fraudulent scheme.
“The governor has directed that the activities of the committee be subjected to a separate probe to ensure full accountability,” the statement added.
Eze said the dismissals demonstrate the governor Alex Otti administration’s commitment to transparency and a “zero tolerance for corruption in public service”, adding that indicted persons will be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
