Saturday, 13 February 2016

Police arrest six in Delta for attempting to defraud govt


Six Civil Servants in Asaba, Delta Statehave been arrested for alleged attempt to defraud the state government. Although the amount was not specified, but unconfirmed sources said the money was up to N7.3billion, meant to pay January 2016 salary.

The Delta State Government through the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. David Edevbie at a news conference in Asaba on Tuesday, disclosed that the State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s swift intervention saved the state from being defrauded by the suspects during the payment of January 2016 salary.

Mr. Edevbie who spoke through the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah said: “Salaries of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as the Polytechnics’ staff were delayed due to an alert on Wednesday evening (February 3, 2016) of an attempt to defraud the state through the payment of salaries.”

“The Permanent Secretary cum Accountant General on receiving the threat, immediately informed His Excellency, The Governor who directed that the security agencies in the state, as well as the bank should be informed immediately”.

He also directed the Permanent Secretary/Accountant General to put in place additional control measure to forestall future attempts on the account.

While disclosing that arrests have been made, the Commissioner in the statement emphasised that the administration has zero tolerance for fraud.

“We urge all who have such intent to desist from such,” he said.

He enjoined Deltans to always report unscrupulous activities for appropriate action, adding that Okowa’s administration was committed to credible, transparent and accountable stewardship to the people of the state.

Spokesperson for the police in the state, Mrs. Celestina Kalu confirmed the arrest of the suspects, but declined to speak further on the issue.
Meanwhile the sum of N372.9million has been earmarked by the state for the payment of fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) and National Business Technical Board Education
(NABTEB).

The plan was revealed by Mr. Patrick Ukah, the state’s Commissioner for Information at a news conference in Asaba on Tuesday after the State Executive Council meeting.

According to Mr. Ukah, payment of the examination fees was in line with the governor’s free education policy for primary and secondary school students.

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