The Abia State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Aham Uko, has confirmed his resignation from Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s cabinet. In an interview, he simply replied, “Yes, it is true,” without offering an explanation for his departure.
Sources close to Government House in Umuahia say Dr. Uko submitted his resignation about a month ago, but the administration chose to keep it secret until after the elections. According to these sources, Uko handed his resignation letter to Governor Ikpeazu several weeks ago, and it was acknowledged by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Chris Ezem. When contacted, Barr Ezem denied any knowledge of the resignation, stating, “I don’t know anything about that. I don’t know where you people got that from.”
The resignation letter, dated 7 February 2023 and addressed to His Excellency Governor Ikpeazu, cites personal reasons. The sources indicate that an official announcement is expected this week and suggest that Uko may have left to focus on his private business, which has stagnated since he assumed the commissioner role. He has reportedly offered to provide pro‑bono services to the Ikpeazu administration if needed.
Dr. Uko took charge of the finance ministry in 2019 after Ikpeazu’s re‑election and was known for insisting on the payment of pensions and salaries. This stance often put him at odds with other state financial officials, who frequently told pensioners there was no money and ignored his advice on salary disbursements. “He had never been happy about the unpaid backlog of salaries,” a source noted.
Separately, a Federal High Court in Abuja’s Apo district recently ordered the freezing of all Abia State government accounts held in approximately 27 commercial banks. Justice Bello Kawu issued the order while ruling on an ex parte motion (No. M/6686/2023) filed by Mr. Uche Eni against the Accountant‑General of Abia State and the Commissioner for Finance. The ruling also barred the banks from cooperating with Governor Ikpeazu’s financial aides pending determination of the motion.
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