Alleged N27bn fraud: Jubilation in Abia as EFCC quizzes T. A. Orji
Chief T. A. Orji
The atmosphere in Abia State was yesterday charged as the people of the state jubilated continually over the quizzing of the former governor of the state, Chief T. A. Orji, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commissions (EFCC). In Aba, the commercial capital of the state, people continued to react and were seen in beer parlours and drinking joints discussing the development and commending the EFCC for doing a good job. The people also prayed and hoped that the matter would not be swept under the carpet.
The mood was the same in Umuahia and Ohafia, where people expressed delight over what they said was long overdue. It will be recalled that the Save Abia Initiative for Change (SAI4C), a voluntary association of concerned citizens of Abia State had in 2015, petitioned the EFCC against the former governor. In the petition titled; “How Governor T. A. Orji squandered N474 billion of Abia State government’s funds leaving an external debt of $35.9 billion (N8 billion), the petitioners told EFCC how, among other things, the former governor diverted billions of naira that accrued to the state from the federal government and its agencies. Notwithstanding the fact that the former governor was released after interrogation, the people expressed delight that the EFCC, by the mere invitation of Orji to their office for questioning, had given the people of the state hope that one day, the former governor would actually answer questions on how he managed the finances of the state during his eight years in power.
Nkemdirim, a tricycle operator in Aba told our reporter that most people had concluded that the present fight against corruption was not all inclusive, because the past administration in the state had not been probed. He said with the questioning of Orji by the EFCC, it was now clear that nobody was above the law and prayed that the anti-craft body would be diligent in its work so that those found to have stolen Abia State’s funds would be made to return such. A civil servant, who did not want his name in print, said no true Abia indigene would claim not be happy at the news that former Governor T. A. Orji was quizzed by the EFCC.
He added that with the move, there was every hope that Abia funds that were slashed away by her officials would be returned for the development of the state. He said: “Before now, it was like some of these people despite the obvious were clean and above the law, but with Wednesday’s move by the EFCC, it is now clear that the cries of the people have been heard.”
