The inaugural sitting of the judicial panel of inquiry on the recovery of government properties and funds belonging to Abia State Government took place in Umuahia. The panel, chaired by Justice Florence Duruoha-Igwe, has urged members of the public to come forward with petitions and memoranda to aid their investigations.
While addressing the gathering at the office of the Wife of the Governor, Government House Annex, Umuahia, Justice Duruoha-Igwe emphasized that the panel is not a court but a quasi-judicial body that will rely on the petitions and memoranda submitted to provide recommendations and advice to the governor.
The terms of reference for the panel include:
– Receiving and examining complaints and memoranda on the looting or conversion of government property, funds, and related matters;
– Making recommendations to the government for remedial measures or appropriate actions;
– Examining and identifying illegally acquired or occupied government assets and funds, and determining responsible parties;
– Recommending measures for the recovery of assets, as well as appropriate sanctions;
– Investigating the allocations and revocations of lands in Abia State from May 2015 to May 2023, and assessing their propriety;
– Reviewing the award and execution of contracts from May 2015 to May 2023, and ensuring their compliance with the relevant laws;
– Investigating any other matter incidental or related to the above terms of reference, and providing recommendations based on findings.
The Abia State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, emphasized the importance of addressing the alleged looting in the state, stating that progress can only be achieved by resolving these issues. Uwanna called upon the public to demonstrate courage by submitting relevant information to support the panel’s work. He expressed gratitude to the panel members for accepting the responsibility of the task.
