WE WILL NOT SHIELD ANY WORKER INVOLVED IN FINANCIAL FRAUD – ABIA STATE GOVT.

The Abia State Government says it will continue to exhibit transparency in issues concerning governance in the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyie-Kalu, stated this while briefing newsmen on a petition written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by a member of staff of the State Ministry of Finance alleging financial misappropriation by some officials of the ministry.

Chief Kalu explained that the administration of Governor OkezieIkpeazu believed in openness and would never in any way encourage misappropriation of fund.

He noted that the administration had put various strategies in place to checkmate non-existent workers in the civil service and that government workers as well as pensioners received their salaries and pensions promptly.

The Commissioner for Information maintained that government would not tolerate any act of financial scam or protect any worker found culpable of fraud by the EFCC.

He urged the Commission to ensure professional conduct of investigation into the matter.

According to report, an employee of Ministry of Finance in the state, Mr. Gay Okite, had petitioned EFCC over financial fraud allegedly being perpetrated in the Ministry by some of its staff.

LAWRENCE NWOKEDI