Militants ask EFCC to probe state govts for siphoning of LGA funds

Ini Billie, Uyo

Militants have invited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe what it described as the siphoning of local government funds by the State Government.

The militants under the aegis of Niger Delta Volunteers (NDV), Akwa Ibom Command, alleged that local governments receive peanuts from the state governments out of the N150 million allocated to them from the Federation Account.

In a statement signed by Maj-Gen. Henry Okon Etete, Niger Delta Volunteers; Maj-Gen. Inibeghe Adams, Niger Delta Republic Fighters; and Maj-Gen. Ekpenyong Akan, Niger Delta Watchdogs on Tuesday in Uyo and made available to journalists, the group said Gov. Udom Emmanuel’s decision to give LG Chairmen peanuts as allocation reeks of corruption.

They called on Gov. Emmanuel to redeem himself by using the remaining one year to embark on life touching projects instead of trying to plunge the state into anarchy by picking a successor.

The group declared total support to the one-month ultimatum issued by Unyekisong Akwa Ibom to Governor Udom Emmanuel to withdraw his support for Pastor Umo Eno’s candidacy, and advised the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to call the governor to order or lose the state.

“We call on Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately commence probe/investigation into the missing Akwa Ibom State local government funds which were dubiously siphoned by Akwa Ibom State government.

“Today local government chairmen are receiving peanuts out of the N150m that is allocated to each of the local government in the state from the federation account as a result of corruption by governor Udom Emmanuel.

 “It sad that a state that has enjoyed peace, harmony and security over the years is about to be plunged into crisis, anarchy, killings and insecurity if the present situation is not properly checked.

“Therefore, the Niger Delta Volunteers and other militant groups hereby declare total support to the earlier one-month ultimatum issued by Unyekisong Akwa Ibom to Governor Udom Emmanuel to withdraw all supports given to Pastor Umoh Bassey Eno as his preferred successor, this is totally unacceptable.

“If the governor fails to act in a fatherly posture, take wise counsel and withdraw all his support given to Pastor Umoh Eno using government funds, then he should be prepared for unpleasant surprises in the state,” they stated.