‘SUSPEND YOUR CORRUPT SSG GRACE UMEZURIKE FOR DIVERSION OF BILLIONS OF NAIRA’ - AMB TIMOTHY NWACHUKWU TELLS EBONYI GOVERNOR

Ambassador Timothy Nwachukwu, the President of Ebonyi Ambassadors Movement and a Sustainable Development Goals Advocate has strongly urged the Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru to immediately suspend the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Grace Umezurike, over the alleged diversion of N2.5 billion from the 4 billion naira earmarked for the procurement of rice for Ebonyi workers. This weighty demand comes as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully obtained a court order for the forfeiture of the said sum, which was discovered in the SSG’s account.

Ambassador Nwachukwu, a prominent voice on governance and accountability, did not mince words in his call for decisive action, cautioning the Governor against any attempt to abet corruption.

In a statement released to the press, Ambassador Nwachukwu emphasized that the EFCC’s action, culminating in a court order for the forfeiture of the over two billion naira traced to the six account belonging to the SSG’ and her aide Ngene Nwanna Onyeabor, serves as undeniable evidence of financial impropriety.

“The Governor must, without further delay, suspend his corrupt SSG for the glaring diversion of of funds meant for the purchase and distribution of rice to Ebonyi State Civil Servants,” Nwachukwu declared, stressing the need for immediate investigation and accountability.

The EFCC’s successful acquisition of a court order for the forfeiture of such a substantial sum traced to a public official’s account underscores the gravity of the allegations.

The anti-graft agency’s move indicates a preliminary judicial finding that the funds are proceeds of illicit activities and we’re illegally acquired. Public eyes are now fixed on the Ebonyi State government to see its response to these damning revelations.

Ambassador Nwachukwu further cautioned the Governor against any perceived protection or complicity, warning that such actions would have severe repercussions for the state’s reputation and the administration’s integrity.

“Abetting corruption would have dire consequences for the state and its people,” he stated, reminding the Governor of his oath to uphold the law and fight graft.

The funds were said to have been earmarked by the Ebonyi State Government for purchasing bags of rice for the people of the state during the 2024 Christmas celebration but was diverted from the treasury of the Ebonyi State Government to six different accounts domiciled in United Bank for Africa (UBA).

The commission said that while four of the UBA accounts were owned by the SSG, one of them, which belongs to the aide, had N1.014 billion diverted to it. The sixth account was opened with the account name: Affordable Multi Services Nigeria Limited.

This development places significant pressure on the Ebonyi State government to demonstrate its commitment to transparency and good governance as the call for the SSG’s suspension is not just a demand for administrative action but a plea for the restoration of public trust in a state grappling with various developmental challenges.