IMO state House of Assembly has set up a five-man ad hoc committee to probe the State governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, for allegation of financial mismanagement levelled against him.
A member of the House, Chief Emelumba had, in his motion, alleged that the governor spent N120 million on the Government House, acquired mansions in South Africa, the United States, Lagos and Abuja, while the state government was indebted to banks to the tune of N72 billion.
The allegations against the governor also included alleged spending of N1.2 billion for his return to the PDP, disbursement of N1 billion to northern Emirs as transport allowance through a senator and a member of the House of Representatives, as well as alleged squandering of N2.5 billion on Okigwe water scheme.
Ohakim, whose recent defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had generated a lot of controversies, is being probed for allegedly houses and spending recklessly.
The latest move by the House to probe Governor Ohakim followed a motion sponsored by Chief Declan Mbadiwe Emelumba, representing Oru West constituency, and supported by 18 other members of the House.
After the adoption of the motion by Chief Emelumba, the Speaker of the House, Chief Goodluck Opiah, said there was the need for a committee to verify all these allegations.
He announced a five-man ad hoc committee headed by Chief Samuel Anyanwu from Ikeduru state constituency. The terms of reference of the committee include: “To determine the veracity of the allegations and make appropriate recommendations.”
The Speaker said the probe was not a witchhunt of the governor, adding that it had no political undertone, but it was to verify all the allegations “because they are serious and weighty and must not be treated with levity.”
Efforts to get the governor proved abortive, but his Commissioner for Information, Dr. Amanze Obi, said that though the House was performing its functions, those who were behind the petition were not serious-minded people.
ALLEGATIONS:
Spent N120m on Govt House
Bought houses in S/Africa, USA, Lagos, Abuja
State indebted to the tune of N72bn
Spent N1.2bn to defect to PDP
Spent N2.5bn on Okigwe water scheme
Disbursed N1bn to Northern Emirs as transport allowance