By Suleiman Anyalewechi
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has ordered an immediate probe into the activities of the state’s Salary Committee.
This is as the state’s Civil Service Commission, CSC, announced the dismissal of some payroll officials over allegations of financial malfeasance ,and salary padding.
The six affected staffers from the state Ministry of Justice were indicted by an audit and administrative inquiry panel set up by the State Government to look into cases of underhand dealings and manipulation of the payroll system by officials.
In a statement Thursday evening September 4 ,2025. Dr Eno Jerry Eze, the Chairman of the Commission, informed that the affected civil servants were found to have engaged in the manipulation of payroll systems leading to the illegal receipts of excess salaries over a sustained period.
The statement listed the dismissed staff members as Dickson Uche Eze. Esther Emeruwa, Ijeoma Jonathan, Treasure Isinguzo, Chioma Victoria Erondu, and Hannah Ezinne Eze .
Dr Eze noted that the disciplinary action was sequel to a comprehensive probe by the Commission which separately interrogated the officials, reviewed relevant financial records, and confirmed that the affected personnel had wittingly benefitted from irregular salary payments to the detriment of the state.
The Chairman further noted that Governor Otti, in his determination to ensure transparency and accountability, has directed the extension of the investigations to the Salary Committee.
According to him, the decision to beam the searchlight on the Salary Committee followed startling revelations of the suspected involvement of its officials in the alleged manipulation of the payroll systems by the dismissed staffers.
“The Government notes, however, that Chioma Favour Madu, also initially investigated, has been cleared of wrongdoing, having promptly reported the overpayment, and taken immediate steps to correct it.
“Additionally, the investigation raised serious concerns about the possible complicity of some members of the Salary Committee in the fraudulent scheme.
“The Governor has directed that the activities of the Committee be subjected to separate probe to ensure full accountability”, the Commission stated.
Consequently, Eze informed that all the indicted and dismissed civil servants will be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
According to the Commission, the decisive action underscores the commitment of the present Abia State Government to transparency, discipline, and zero tolerance for corruption in public service .
“The Government wishes to assure the public that it will not relent in its efforts to rid the system of all forms of fraudulent practices and unethical conducts.
“We urge all civil servants and stakeholders in the public sector to remain committed to integrity and to report any suspected irregularities through appropriate and confidential channels”, the statement further reads.
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