An audit committee established by Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has revealed a multi-million naira fraud and the existence of ghost workers in the Abia State Vigilante Service (AVS) and Abia State Homeland Security Watch (AHLSW). The committee, composed of seven members and chaired by Assistant Commander Ogbuehi Emmanuel (Rtd), submitted its report to Governor Otti on Wednesday.
In their report, the committee disclosed that the two security organizations spent a total of 194 million naira annually on the payment and maintenance of ghost workers. It was discovered that numerous ghost workers were present in both the AVS and AHLSW.
During the presentation of the report, Commander Emmanuel assured Governor Otti that the committee had diligently carried out their assignment. He urged the governor to carefully review and implement the recommendations put forth by the committee. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to the governor for giving their committee the opportunity to serve the state.
In response, Governor Otti, represented by his Chief of Staff, Calab Ajagba, pledged to thoroughly review the report. He emphasized that ensuring the security of lives and property, as well as eradicating corruption in the state, were key priorities for his administration. The Chief of Staff further emphasized that no society can thrive in a state of insecurity.
The handover ceremony was attended by various security officers, including Commodore Macdonald Uba (Rtd), the Special Adviser on Security to the Abia State Governor.
