The Abia State Government has dismissed six civil servants in the Ministry of Justice for their involvement in a salary padding scheme uncovered during an internal audit. The affected officers were found to have manipulated payroll systems to illegally collect excess salaries over an extended period.
This decision was announced in a statement signed by Dr. Eno Jerry Eze, Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission. The statement explained that the dismissal followed a thorough administrative inquiry and disciplinary process conducted by the Commission.
The officers dismissed are:
– Mr. Dickson Uche Eze – Principal Accountant (SGL 12)
– Mrs. Esther Emeruwa – Senior Accountant (SGL 10)
– Mrs. Ijeoma Jonathan – Chief Executive Officer (Accounts, SGL 14)
– Mrs. Treasure Isinguzo – Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Accounts, SGL 13)
– Mrs. Chioma Victoria Erondu – Principal Executive Officer (Accounts, SGL 12)
– Mrs. Hannah Ezinne Eze – Senior Executive Officer (General Duties, SGL 09)
The government explained that these individuals were found guilty of deliberately manipulating financial systems to benefit themselves by receiving higher salaries than they were entitled to. The fraudulent activities were exposed during a routine audit of the Ministry of Justice.
According to the Civil Service Commission, the affected officers were individually questioned, and financial records were carefully reviewed to establish their involvement. The investigation confirmed that the dismissed staff knowingly benefitted from the irregular payments, causing financial loss to the State.
In contrast, another staff member, Mrs. Chioma Favour Madu, who was also investigated, was cleared of wrongdoing. The Commission explained that Madu noticed the salary overpayment early, reported the issue promptly, and took steps to return the extra funds.
“Her honesty and prompt action stand in sharp contrast to the behavior of her colleagues,” the statement noted.
The State Government has also stated that the dismissed officers will be handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution. This move, according to the government, is part of its commitment to accountability, transparency, and zero tolerance for corruption in the civil service.
The statement also called on all civil servants and public officials to maintain integrity and report any irregularities they notice in the course of their duties. “Integrity and transparency must be the guiding principles in public service,” the Commission said.
In a related development, Governor Alex Otti has ordered a separate probe into the activities of some members of the State’s Salary Committee. The Governor gave the directive to ensure that the fraud did not extend beyond the Ministry of Justice and to uncover any wider network of collusion.
Governor Otti’s administration has consistently emphasised its determination to clean up the civil service and restore public trust in government institutions. Since assuming office in May 2023, Otti has introduced several reforms aimed at improving service delivery and blocking financial leakages.
The recent development has drawn public attention to the importance of transparency in government payroll management. Civil society groups and anti-corruption advocates have praised the State Government for taking decisive action.
Speaking with reporters in Umuahia, a civil rights advocate, Mr. Emeka Ude, said, “This shows that the new administration is serious about reforms. We hope this sets a clear example for others who may be thinking of defrauding the system.”
