The Chief of Staff to Abia State Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, has reaffirmed the state government’s zero tolerance for corruption, criminality and all forms of misconduct.
Pastor Ajagba who made this known at Government House, Umuahia, while receiving the report of the seven-member committee constituted by the state government to investigate the alleged vandalism of the Agburuezeukwu Primary Health Centre, Umuezegu Nsulu, in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, assured that anyone found culpable, irrespective of status, will be made to face the full weight of the law.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor disclosed that the administration of Governor Alex Otti remains fully committed to transparency, accountability and the provision of quality infrastructure and public services across the state, adding that the state government will continue to create an enabling environment where every Abia resident, regardless of location or social status, continues to enjoy the dividends of good governance.
He noted that the state government ordered the probe after reports of the alleged vandalism circulated on social media, and announced that the committee’s findings established that no act of vandalism took place, but rather that the allegations amounted to an attempt at character assassination.
Pastor Ajagba while cautioning individuals against spreading unverified information capable of causing disaffection or tarnishing the reputation of others, emphasized that Abia is a state governed by law and order and commended the committee for what he described as a thorough, detailed and professional investigation, assuring that the state government would carefully study the committee’s recommendations and take appropriate action to prevent the spread of falsehood and misinformation.
Presenting the report, the Chairman of the 7-man Investigation Committee, Mr Emmanuel Ogbuehi, said the committee found no evidence of vandalism or theft of government property at the Agburuezeukwu Primary Health Centre, Umuezegu, in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, contrary to allegations that circulated on social media, explaining that the investigation established that the contractor who previously renovated the facility, Chief Chisomeje Nwaogbe had only attempted to remove building materials he left behind after completing the project.
Mr Ogbuehi further disclosed that there was no case of vandalism, but that Chief Chisomeje Nwaogbe was unlawfully assaulted, detained and defamed, adding that Mr Kenneth Nwogwugwu and Mr Ikpeama Chinemere who admitted to the committee to have recorded and circulated the viral video were neither members of the community vigilant group nor from the community.
