Gov. Rochas Okorocha The EFCC operatives arrested Governor Okorocha’s aides.
Three top officials of Imo state government were arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, March 2.
The Cable reports that the suspects allegedly diverted the sum of N2 billion bailout fund given to the state by the federal government for payment of salary arrears of the state’s civil servants.
The suspects are: Obi Paschal Chigozie, the principal secretary to the governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha; Uzoho Casmir, the director of finance, and Iheoma Kenneth, the treasurer.
In a statement issued on Thursday, March 3, the anti-graft agency said:
“Their arrest followed an investigation into the alleged diversion of the said money which revealed that, the cashier had made cash withdrawal of N456.532m between September 3, 2015 and October 10, 2015 from the government house account domiciled in Zenith Bank.
“However, it was revealed that the said amount was given to an aide of the chief of staff to the governor, following approval and directive by the principal secretary to the governor.”
The EFFC added that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
Earlier this year, there was a massive shake up in Imo state as Governor Okorocha suspended over 3,000 workers and stopped their salaries.
In a swift reaction, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) issued a 14-day ultimatum to the state government demanding to recall the suspended workers and tackle their unpaid salaries and other benefits expires.
Okorocha bowed to pressure from the NLC as he recalled some workers who had been earlier suspended in 19 parastatals, departments and agencies.
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