Ebonyi SSG Diverts N1.5 billion, Gov Nwifuru Vows To Act
Governor Workers Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has vowed to take appropriate action on the alleged diversion of N1.5 billion meant for the purchase of Christmas rice by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Grace Umezurike, once investigation is concluded.
The governor made this known in a statement released on Sunday through his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, in Abakaliki.
Reacting to media reports currently before the Federal High Court, Uyo, Governor Nwifuru emphasized the importance of due process, stating that the SSG remains innocent until proven otherwise.
“I received the news of a publication already before the Federal High Court in Uyo concerning our Secretary to the State Government. She is presumed innocent until investigation reveals otherwise. As a lawyer, I understand the need to establish the facts before drawing conclusions to avoid setting a wrong precedent,” the governor said.
In a related development, Governor Nwifuru also expressed concern over the performance of some of his political appointees. He noted that a recent minor cabinet reshuffle was necessitated by the failure of certain officials to deliver on their mandates as contained in the administration’s “People’s Charter of Needs.”
“We are worried that the vision in our charter of needs has not been satisfactorily realized. That accounted for the reshuffle we recently made. However, we are still assessing their performance and will not hesitate to take further action if necessary,” he said.
The governor warned that non-performing officials may be relieved of their duties if there is no significant improvement within the grace period extended to them.
