Abia Govt Carpets EFCC Over Marking Of Its Property

Abia State government has described as unlawful and unwarranted the decision of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to mark its property located in the state capital.

The state government expressed shock that the anti graft agency without prior notice and enquiry came to seal its property being developed under public private sector partnership.

Addressing newsmen in Umuahia on Monday, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Uche Ihediwa gave the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seven days ultimatum to remove what he called offensive notices placed on the assets and estates of the State government.

Chief Ihediwa further demanded the EFCC to tender an unreserved apology to the State within seven days in over the inconvenience its action has caused the government, threatening legal action upon failure by the EFCC.

He explained that assets marked by the EFCC for sealing are duly entered into partnership arrangements with credible investors for development, adding that reversionary interest on the properties still resides in the State government.

Chief Ihediwa observed that the law establishing the EFCC makes it clear that the Commission can only seal property of persons under investigation, noting that ownership of the property in question is not under investigation.

He recalled that in 2016, the EFCC investigated the ownership of most of those property and the certificates of occupancy as well as the public private partnership agreements between the State government and investors of the various assets.

He stated that the action of the EFCC has caused harm to the State economy by scaring investors from the State.

The assets marked by the EFCC include; The Abia Mall, the Adelabu Housing Estate, the former township main market at Ogwumabiri, the Millenium Luxury Apartment, Abia hotels and Linto estate, Old Timber Market, all in Umuahia.