Abia State Government has approved the dismissal of six staff of the Ministry of Justice following their indictment in a salary padding scheme uncovered during an internal audit and administrative inquiry.
According to the State government, they were found to have engaged in the manipulation of payroll systems, resulting in the unlawful receipt of excess salaries over a sustained period.
This was signed by Eno Jerry Eze, the Chairman, Abia State Civil Service Commission.
The sacked civil servants are: Mr. Dickson Uche Eze, a Principal Accountant (SGL 12), Mrs. Esther Emeruwa, Senior Accountant (SGL 10), Mrs. Ijeoma Jonathan , Chief Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 14), Mrs. Treasure Isinguzo, Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 13),Mrs. Chioma Victoria Erondu – Principal Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 12) and Mrs. Hannah Ezinne Eze – Senior Executive Officer (General Duties – SGL 09).
Abia government explained that the disciplinary action followed a detailed investigation by the Abia State Civil Service Commission, which independently interrogated the officers, reviewed relevant financial records, and confirmed that they knowingly benefitted from irregular salary payments to the detriment of the State.
However, the government disclosed that Mrs. Chioma Favour Madu, who was initially investigated, has been cleared of wrongdoing, having promptly reported the overpayment and taken immediate steps to correct it.
The statement, which said that the indicted and dismissed officers would be handed over to appropriate law enforcement officers for prosecution, urged all civil servants and other stakeholders to maintain integrity and report suspected irregularities.
Additionally, Governor Alex Otti has directed that the activities of some members of the Salary Committee be subjected to a separate probe to ensure full accountability.
