Ebonyi diaspora group gives Gov Nwifuru 48-hour ultimatum to sack SSG over N1bn scandal

The Association of Ebonyi Indigenes Socio-Cultural in the Diaspora (AEISCID) has demanded the immediate dismissal of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Grace Umezuruike, following a court-ordered interim forfeiture of over N1 billion allegedly diverted by her and an aide.

The group issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Francis Nwifuru, calling for Umezuruike’s removal to allow an unhindered investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The group also criticised the state government’s silence and attitude toward the unfolding scandal.

Recall that the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, reportedly ordered the temporary forfeiture of the funds allegedly misappropriated by Umezuruike and Ngene Nwanna Onyeabor. The ruling, dated 8 July, followed an ex parte application by the EFCC.

In a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, AEISCID President (Worldwide), Ambassador Pascal Oluchukwu, condemned the state’s reaction and called for accountability.

Reacting to the development, the group said: “It took a conscious social critic, Nwoba Chika Nwoba to petition the anti-graft agency before it acted and froze the said accounts with an order to conduct discreet investigations into the matter is not for us a very big issue.”

Oluchukwu said the SSG must step down immediately to ensure transparency and prevent any interference in the investigation.

“We ask: What else does the Governor who claims to be a lawyer need to understand that once a prima facie case has been established leading to the freezing of the said accounts by the anti-graft agency for a possible forfeiture of the diverted funds to the Federal Government, the SSG should have been asked to step aside immediately?
“This is a common ethical and standard practice that is well in accordance with the principles of transparency, accountability and probity in governance which would ensure that all allegations are substantiated without let or hindrance using the privileges and rights of powerful office she occupies and connections of some powerful people in government,” the group said

AEISCID expressed concern that corruption under the current administration appears more widespread than in previous governments since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule.

“We are thoroughly ashamed of the disposition of the State government towards this grave allegation that has very severe and negative consequences for the State and Ebonyians home and in the diaspora.”

The group advised the state to formally seek inclusion in the court case so it can reclaim the alleged stolen funds for public use if ownership is proven.

“We further admonish the government to show cause by entering to be joined as a party in the suit before the Federal High Court so that in any event the loot is proven to be that of the State, the government can easily reclaim the funds and deploy same for the benefit of the common masses.

“Already, apart from the pervasive poverty biting the common Ebonyians that one could literally cut through with a knife, there are many projects started by this administration which are yet to receive the needed attention obviously due to the same grand-scale corruption that has been the order of the day that the said money can effectively be ploughed back into.”

The group, however, called on the EFCC to widen its nets to help Ebonyi people recover loots allegedly diverted by contractors within the last two years of the present administration and the past eight years of Umahi-led administration.

“AEISCID would like the EFCC officials and the people alleged to be involved in this heinous financial crime which has gone on in our dear State for over a decade to know that our eyes are consistently on them and we would follow through this matter till all the funds are not only recovered but those responsible for the alleged diversions are consequently brought to book.

“We are fully aware of the fact that Ebonyi cannot breathe because former Governor Umahi is still holding the State by the neck and his successor strongly by the balls.

“This is not only about Nwifuru’s government and its appointees who have allegedly been amassing wealth from the public coffers. It is certainly about a people and their collective destiny to save their State from shame and eventual doom!”