The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is investigating all 13 local government chairmen of Ebonyi State over an alleged road contract worth N2 billion.
According to documents obtained by Vanguard, the anti-graft agency had invited the chairmen in response to a petition alleging that the chairmen and several important aides to the state governor, David Umahi, mishandled funds intended for road development.
Through the state’s Local Government Service Commission, a letter of invitation dated July 6, 2022 and signed by the commission’s Director of Operations, Abdulkarim Chukkol, was sent to all of the chairmen, inviting them to appear at the anti-graft national headquarters in Abuja on various dates between July 15, 2022, and August 11, 2022.
The letter of invitation from the anti-graft organisation, a copy of which was provided to correspondents, was addressed to the Chairman of the Ebonyi State Local Government Service Commission in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, and stated: “This commission is investigating a complaint in which they need to seek certain clarification from your local government chairmen.”
In response to the EFCC letter, the Local Government Service Commission advised the Council Chairmen to ensure strict adherence to the directive.
The forwarding letter, dated 22 July, 2022 and titled; re: Investigation activities read, “I am directed to refer to the letter with ref. No. Cr: 3000/abj/hq/cmu 1/st/du/vol.4/343 of 6th July, 2022 by EFCC on the above subject as attached and to respectfully inform you that your presence is needed at the EFCC Headquarters, 5th Floor, Plot 301/302 Institution and Research District, Jabi, Abuja at 1000 hours. (See attached schedule).
“Please, take note of the urgent nature of the invitation letter and act accordingly for the invitation came to us today being 22nd day of July, 2022 and received by the Local Government Service Commission. Suffice it to say that you make frantic efforts to honour the invitation and find attached for your guidance while noting paragraph three for its emphasis.”
The letter included the dates on which each Council Chairmen was to be questioned, and it was reported that they had travelled to Abuja to provide their knowledge on the relevant topics.
Additionally, it was mentioned in the invitation that the concerned chairmen “are to come along with Certified True Copies of all paperwork, approvals and payments made for One Kilometer Road construction in respective Local Government Areas in 2019.” In accordance with Sections 38(1) and (2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, this request has been made.
