The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned the Heads of Accounts and Treasurers from all 17 local government areas in Abia State to its Uyo office as part of an ongoing investigation into local government financial activities.
This follows the Supreme Court’s ruling affirming local government autonomy, prompting a nationwide review of financial records.
The Federal Government is closely examining local government expenditures to ensure compliance with financial independence regulations.
As part of the probe, Abia officials have been instructed to provide detailed records, including salary schedules, overhead payments, and documentation of capital projects undertaken. Additionally, they must submit reports on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) collected within their jurisdictions.
Sources indicate that EFCC officials have cautioned the civil servants against presenting falsified or manipulated financial records, a warning that has reportedly unsettled many.
Officials from several local governments, including Obingwa and Aba North, have already appeared before investigators, facing scrutiny over alleged financial irregularities.
Concerns have also been raised about the centralized control of local government funds in Abia, with some officials struggling to afford transportation to Uyo for the hearings. This situation has further highlighted alleged mismanagement of local government allocations.
Meanwhile, some Abia local government officials have pointed to disparities in fund allocations, comparing their financial constraints with local governments in other states, particularly Akwa Ibom, where resources have reportedly been sufficient for both salaries and capital projects.
This has fueled speculation that the Abia State Government is seeking to amend its Local Government Administration Law to cover up financial irregularities.
EFCC investigators have reportedly been taken aback by their findings, which contradict the public narrative of financial prudence in Abia.
The ongoing revelations are expected to have far-reaching implications for the state’s political and administrative leadership as the probe continues.
SOURCE : Nwokeukwu Mascot
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