Abia Govt Sacks Six Over Alleged Salary Padding

The Abia State Government has dismissed six staff members of the Ministry of Justice over their involvement in a salary padding scheme.

This was contained in a statement by Eno Jerry Eze, Chairman, Abia State Civil Service Commission.

The statement said the affected officers were found guilty of manipulating payroll systems, resulting in the unlawful receipt of excess salaries.

The statement listed the dismissed officers as Dickson Uche Eze – Principal Accountant (SGL 12); Esther Emeruwa – Senior Accountant (SGL 10); Ijeoma Jonathan – Chief Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 14); Treasure Isinguzo – Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 13); Chioma Victoria Erondu – Principal Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 12); and Hannah Ezinne Eze – Senior Executive Officer (General Duties – SGL 09).

“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 the above-named individuals had knowingly benefitted from irregular salary payments to the detriment of the State,” the statement read.

However, the government noted that Mrs. Chioma Favour Madu, who was also initially investigated, has been cleared of wrongdoing.

“Mrs. Chioma Favour Madu promptly reported the overpayment and took immediate steps to correct it,” the statement added.

The investigation also raised concerns about the possible complicity of some members of the Salary Committee in the fraudulent scheme.

According to Mrs Eze, “The Governor has directed that the activities of the Committee be subjected to a separate probe to ensure full accountability.”

The indicted officers will be handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.

Eze emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and zero tolerance for corruption, stating, “This decisive action underscores the commitment of the present administration to transparency, discipline, and zero tolerance for corruption in public service.”

The government urged civil servants and stakeholders to remain committed to integrity and report any suspected irregularities.

“We will not relent in our effort to rid the system of all forms of fraudulent malpractice and unethical conduct,” the statement concluded.

Abia Govt Sacks Six Over Alleged Salary Padding is first published on The Whistler Newspaper