GOV UMAHI SETS UP JUDICIAL INQUIRY INTO SPENDING OF THE STATE FINANCES
Ebonyi State Government has set up a seven member Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the disbursement of all loans and other forms of financial support from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) amounting to over Eight Billion Naira as well as the state’s foreign debts.
At the inauguration of the Commission of Inquiry at Government House Abakaliki, Governor David Umahi explained that the investigation was not to witch-hunt anyone,
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry was coming on the heels of allegations and counter allegations of financial impropriety between Ebonyi State Government and the erstwhile Secretary to the State Government, Professor Bernard Odo.
Governor Umahi charged the Commission of Inquiry to look into the disbursement of two billion Naira Commercial Agriculture Credit Loan given to the state in 2016 and other forms of financial support from the CBN.
According to him, the Commission’s investigation should also cover foreign debts of Sixty-five million dollars secured by Dr. Sam Egwu’s administration and domestic debts arising from bailout funds, budget support, Infrastructure support and Paris club refunds.
“Any one who is afraid of this commission should not be afraid, if you call me I will wave my immunity to appear to explain and its me that you are probing and not any body but every body has to answer his father’s name,” the Governor stated.
Governor Umahi said the outcome of the inquiry would be forwarded to the State House of Assembly, the State Fiscal Responsibility Commission and the State Executive Council while more would be coming up to look into contract executions and direct labour projects.
The Chairman of the Commission, Justice Chris Eze, said it would discharge its duties without fear or favour and commended the state government for finding them worthy to serve in the Commission.
Members of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry included Bishop Onyeuwaoma Umoke of Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Archdiocese of Abakaliki; and the Vice Chairman of Traditional Rulers Council in the State, Eze Romanus Iyioku.
AMECHI ODO