The Abia State Government has dismissed six officers of the Ministry of Justice after an internal audit and administrative inquiry uncovered that they allegedly manipulated payroll systems to unlawfully receive excess salaries.

The decision was announced in a statement by the Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, Pastor Eno Jerry Eze, who explained that the disciplinary action followed a detailed investigation into the matter.

According to the Commission, the affected 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) and Mrs. Hannah Ezinne Eze, Senior Executive Officer (General Duties – SGL 09).

Eze said the investigation confirmed that the officers “knowingly benefitted from irregular salary payments to the detriment of the state.”

She noted also that the Civil Service Commission independently interrogated the officers and reviewed financial records before reaching its conclusion.

The government, however, cleared Mrs. Chioma Favour Madu of any wrongdoing, explaining that she had promptly reported her salary overpayment and took immediate steps to correct it.

The statement further revealed that the probe raised concerns about possible complicity by some members of the Salary Committee, prompting Governor Alex Otti to order a separate investigation into their activities.

“The governor has directed that the activities of the committee be subjected to a separate probe to ensure full accountability,” the statement read.

Eze further added that those indicted would be handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.

She stressed that the dismissals demonstrated the administration’s commitment to transparency and “zero tolerance for corruption in public service.”

The Abia government also urged civil servants and stakeholders to report any suspected irregularities through confidential channels, assuring the public that it would not relent in eradicating fraudulent practices from the system.

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