Abia Govt dismisses 6 workers over salary padding fraud
The Abia State Government has dismissed six staff members of the Ministry of Justice after they were indicted in a salary padding scandal.
The development was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, Dr. Eno Jerry-Eze, and made available to newsmen on Friday in Umuahia.
According to Jerry-Eze, the fraud was uncovered during an internal audit and administrative inquiry carried out in the ministry. The probe revealed that the affected officers manipulated the payroll system to unlawfully earn salaries beyond their official entitlements.
Those dismissed include a Principal Accountant (SGL 12), Senior Accountant (SGL 10), Chief Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 14), Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 13), Principal Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 12), and a Senior Executive Officer (General Duties – SGL 09).
Jerry-Eze explained that the disciplinary measures followed a thorough investigation by the commission, which involved interviews with the indicted staff and a review of financial records. The inquiry confirmed that they deliberately benefited from irregular salary payments at the expense of the state.
She disclosed that the dismissed officers would be handed over to relevant law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
She also advised civil servants and other stakeholders to uphold integrity and report any suspected cases of fraud.
The commission’s chairman further revealed that Governor Alex Otti had directed a probe into the activities of certain members of the Salary Committee to ensure full accountability in the management of public funds.
