Abia State Government Dismisses Six Civil Servants Over Salary Padding Scandal
Abia State Government has dismissed six civil servants over salary padding after an internal audit uncovered payroll fraud. The officers will face prosecution as Governor Otti vows zero tolerance for corruption.
The Abia State Government has dismissed six civil servants from the Ministry of Justice after they were found guilty of manipulating payroll systems in a salary padding scheme. The decision followed an internal audit and an administrative inquiry that exposed how the officers unlawfully collected excess salaries over a prolonged period.
The dismissed officers 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)
According to a statement released by the Abia State Civil Service Commission, the officers were investigated, interrogated, and found to have knowingly benefited from irregular salary payments that drained state resources.
However, Mrs. Chioma Favour Madu, who was initially investigated, was cleared of wrongdoing. She had promptly reported her overpayment and took steps to correct it, an action the government described as commendable.
The government also expressed concerns about the possible involvement of some members of the Salary Committee, whose roles in the scheme are now under investigation. Governor Alex Otti has directed a separate probe into their activities to ensure accountability.
Those dismissed will face prosecution by law enforcement agencies, in line with the state’s anti-corruption stance.
Speaking on the development, Pst. Eno Jerry Eze (PhD), Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, emphasized that the action reflects the administration’s zero tolerance for corruption, discipline, and unethical practices in the public service.
“This decisive step is part of our commitment to transparency and accountability. We will continue to rid the system of all fraudulent practices to protect the resources of Abia people,” the Commission stated.
The government urged civil servants to remain committed to integrity and to report any irregularities through confidential and appropriate channels.
This development has stirred strong reactions across the state, with many residents commending the government’s firmness in tackling corruption within the public service.
