Ebonyi govt directs suspended governor’s aide to refund illegally collected funds

The Ebonyi Government has directed Mr Peter Oba, Special Assistant on Transport to Gov. David Umahi, to refund all illegal funds collected from the public.

Dr Kenneth Ugbala, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Internal Security gave the directive while briefing journalists at the end of the State Executive Council meeting on Thursday in Abakaliki.

The governor’s aide said that the decision followed a report on the illegal activities of Oba.

According to him, the executive council has been notified of Oba’s indefinite suspension for constituting an illegal task force used in creating problems for the government.

“Several people complained that when they park their vehicles to attend to needs, the vehicles’ plate numbers are removed by the task force before they return.

READ ALSO NEC, FAAC approve use of $1.05bn NLNG dividends

“The task force members will tell them to pay money and the government is worried as such funds do not accrue into government coffers.

“The persons collecting such funds are not accountable to the government so the state exco directed Oba to refund the funds to the affected persons.

“He is also directed to return all the vehicle plate numbers the task force collected to their owners including those of reverend fathers and sisters,” he said.

Ugbala said that the state government had declared the task force illegal and advised the public to report to the police of any person attempting to extort money from them under the guise of the task force.

“We urge the affected persons to make formal complaints to the government to assist it in determining ways of making the man (Oba) refund their money.

“We also urge the public to report any issue concerning the Neighbourhood Watch security outfit to the appropriate authorities for immediate actions,” he said.

Also, Mr Cletus Ofoke, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice disclosed that the government had constituted a judicial commission of inquiry into the recent killings in different parts of the state.

“This includes killings at Ikwo, Onueke in Ezza South and Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Areas of the state as it involves cult and politically motivated killings.

“The commission of inquiry is headed by Justice Elvis Ngele with Rev.Fr Peter Ogbonna, His Royal Highness Dominic Alo, HRH Ewa Elechi, Mr Nduka Nwokpor and Mr Ben Onwe as members.

“Mr Albert Aloh, the state’s Solicitor General, will serve as Secretary,” he said.