New Abia assembly c’ttee on anti-corruption to investigate govt officials
By Steve Oko
As the battle over the control of the Abia State House of Assembly rages on, the House Committee on Anti-Corruption the Public Accounts, in conjunction with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is set to begin the investigation of government officials both “elected and appointed”.
The probe according to the new Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Obinna Ichita (APGA), is based on the plethora of petitions by members of the public before the committee.
Ichita in a press release Thursday, vowed to speedily but thoroughly investigate all the petitions before the committee, adding that anybody found culpable will be dealt according to the law.
Wawa News had reported that Ichita was appointed Wednesday by the new Speaker of the House, Hon. Chukwudi Apugo.
The lawmaker said the Committee had two weeks to submit its report to the House for further actions.
According to the release, various Ministries, Department and agencies will be communicated on the days to appear before the committee for grilling as the petitions affect them.
Below is a full text of the release made available to Wawa News Global:”Abia State House of Assembly Committee on Anti-Corruption and Public Accounts has received a plethora of petitions alleging various offenses by different elected and appointed functionaries of the State.
“The Committee wishes to use this opportunity to inform all citizens who have sent in petitions that the committee is committed to a quick consideration of their petitions in relations to the Auditor General’s Report and the financial statement of the accounts of Abia State Government.
“In a bid to discharge this duty speedily within the next fourteen days, the Abia State House of Assembly Committee on Anti-Corruption and Public Accounts, will be holding a joint interactive session with the leadership of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), other anti-graft agencies as well as the relevant security agencies.
“The committee is expected to submit the report of its findings in the plenary session of the Abia State House of Assembly.
“The Head of Service of Abia State and all Accounting Officers of the concerned Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Abia State Government will be given further information regarding their various dates and times of appearance before the Committee.”
Recall that Chinedum Orji and Apugo are both laying claims to the speakership of the Abia State House of Assembly.
Apugo was elected Tuesday following the impeachment of Orji by some lawmakers.
But Orji and some lawmakers loyal to him in a swift reaction, impeached the Deputy Speaker Hon Ifeanyi Uchendu who presided over the removal of the Speaker.
He also announced the immediate suspension of the nine lawmakers involved in his impeachment.
But on Thursday, Apugo also suspended Orji and all lawmakers in his camp.
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has promised to wade into the fued between both camps.
Steve Oko, Publisher/C.E.O, WaWa News Global. For more information on advert placement and news coverage, contact us on: 08038725600, or via email stevemanofgod2000@yahoo.com; wawanewsglobal@gmail.com Always read WaWa News Global - Your most dependable online news platform for the latest breaking news in Nigeria.
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