Port Harcourt, Rivers state – The Rivers Development Foundation (RiDeF) has urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to investigate allegations of corruption and gross misconduct against some outgoing local government chairmen in the state.
In a statement, RiDeF President Dr Rejoice Okoli highlighted claims of mismanagement of internally generated revenues (IGR) and loyalty to “powers in Abuja” over the people of Rivers state.
The group sought a probe panel to address the allegations, which include abuse of office, embezzlement, and theft of government properties.
RiDeF’s call for an investigation comes as the outgoing chairmen also face accusations of looting the treasury and squandering IGR in the last few months.
The foundation sought justice for the people of Rivers, urging Governor Fubara to take swift action.
Meanwhile, RiDeF also alleged that the chairmen failed to inaugurate any projects despite receiving significant allocations from the state treasury and internal revenue.
The group accused the LGA bosses of pocketing the funds and sharing them with their associates and loyalists tied to their political patron in Abuja.
The foundation also criticised the chairmen for allegedly practising nepotism, cronyism, and favouritism in their appointments, disregarding principles of fairness and justice.
Additionally, RiDeF levelled allegations of ghost workers, budget manipulation, racketeering, and insubordination against the outgoing chairmen.
The statement further accused some chairmen of violating their oath of office and plotting to destabilize the state for personal gain, undermining the democratic process and threatening citizen safety.
RiDef also commended Governor Fubara for what it described as his prudent management of resources and provision of good governance in the state, saying his performance has exceeded expectations.
Meanwhile, TimesNow.com.ng earlier reported that the chairman of Ikwerre local government area in Rivers state, Dr Samuel Nwanosike, declared that he would not vacate his office on June 16, the end of his tenure.
In a viral video, Nwanosike directly addressed Governor Fubara, expressing his intention to remain in office beyond the stipulated date.
Nwanosike affirmed that he would continue in his role based on the state lawmakers’ directive and warned that the people of Ikwerre LG would resist any attempts to remove him from office.
Source: TimesNow.com.ng
