Ogbonnaya Ndukwe I Friday, Oct.20, 2023
ABA, Abia, Nigeria – A coalition of Civil Society Groups in Abia State, (CCSGA), a rights group, has advised Governor Alex Otti, against the appointment of rich businessmen, as Mayors to head transition committed in the 17 council areas of the state.
The group, said there was need to thoroughly investigate the antecedents of such individuals being tipped for the positions and to verify their capabilities and honesty required from occupants of such exalted positions.
The Abia Governor had during an event at the Aba Sports Club, last week, disclosed that he would appoint billionaires as Mayors of the 17 local Government Areas of the state, to help his developmental plans.
In a statement made available to reporters, the group insisted that while not against wealthy people occupying political positions, there was need for a thorough integrity tests on the credibility of some of them whose names are being mentioned speculatively, to ensure that they fit into part of the Governor’s “new Abia” policy thrust. statement signed by its chairman.
The statement, signed by the leader of the coalition, Johnson Uzor Emeh and the Secretary, Veronica Ijeoma Nwogu, said unconfirmed reports, had linked a certain billionaire being currently investigated for alleged certificate forgery in one of the higher institutions and some erstwhile officials of the immediate past administration, accused of corruption, as among those pencilled down for appointment as Mayors of the local government councils in Aba and other areas.
“CCSGA urged Gov Otti, to carefully select and appoint men of integrity, with no allegations of corruption, certificate forgery or lacking in public trust as transition committee chairmen.
“We have in 2022, petitioned the immediate past Abia state House of Assembly, which commenced investigation into the certificate forgery allegation but did not conclude it before the expiration of it’s tenure.” It stated.
The group further stated that it had also petitioned the current House of Assembly to investigate the matter.
“We, as stakeholders are partners in the new Abia project. It is in this premise that we deemed it necessary to write to you (Gov Otti), on this subject matter. Recently, there was a viral video where you emphasized that billionaires will be appointed as chairmen of local governments.”
“Your Excellency, we brought this to your notice because we are aware of your earned integrity and image going by your antecedents. We will not like anything that will bring down your reputation and the new Abia under your watch.
“We struggled hard to ensure that the old order in Abia was chased away. The new Abia can’t thrive if we keep quiet when we notice some flash points of the old Abia.
“The rumours of appointment of these suspected persons are gaining ground. The rumours may be occasioned by your utterances eulogizing some of these billionaires who are under investigation for fake certificates and financial misappropriation in the last administration.
“We wish to reiterate that appointments as LGA chairmen, should be based on integrity, notable antecedents, sound morals, good administrative acumen, a certain level of education and the fear of God to change the status quo.
“Most of these billionaires have looted public funds, forged certificates and are involved in many nefarious activities known to the society. So, just being wealthy without a critical look at their source of wealth will bring Abia back to the old days.
“We use this medium to demand that any appointee with allegations of corruption and fake certificate should be thoroughly investigated. It will not be good if such matters are not swept under the carpet.
“Recall that everyone is celebrating Prof. Nnenna Oti, the Vice Chancellor of the FU” it added.
