Enugu zonal headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited two former Abia Commissioners of Finance for questioning.
In a letter dated May 25th, 2021 by Oshodi Johnson, the agency said Mr. Philip Nto and Mr. Obinna Oriaku, who served as Commissioners of Finance and Economic Development in 2014 and 2016 respectively were needed for questioning.
The letter with serial No. CR.3000/EFCC/ENZ/CMIP/TA/352-2021/VOL.15/94, which was addressed to Abia Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Chris Ezem said it has become imperative the two former commissioners make certain clarifications regarding some financial transactions in the state within the period of their stay in office.
Johnson, in the statement, said the request to have the ex-commissioners in their office was in pursuant to section 38(1) and 2 of the EFCC (establishment) Act, 2004.
The statement has it they would upon arrival meet with Head Capital Market and Insurance Fraud Section.
It was however, gathered the invitation of the two former commissioners may not be unconnected with the mismanagement of the Abia N22 billion Paris Club Refund.
When contacted, Oriaku confirmed he was invited, promising to honour it.
He said: “I want to make it clear that EFCC invitation is not a crime and cannot be misconstrued as a sentence for crime.
“As commissioner for Finance for four years, it is necessary that I will be invited from time to time to shed light on what happened while I served as commissioner.”
Oriaku said the invitation was sequel to a petition by one Dr. Murice Walton of Mauritz Walton Nigeria Limited on how the state government allegedly held back their payment since 2017.