Abia State Government Sacks 6 Civil Servants Over Salary Padding

The Abia State Government has dismissed six officials of the Ministry of Justice for their involvement in a salary padding scheme uncovered during an internal audit.

The Civil Service Commission, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Pst. Eno Jerry Eze (PhD) and made available to ABN TV on Thursday, said the officers were indicted after an administrative inquiry confirmed that they manipulated payroll systems to unlawfully receive excess salaries over a sustained period.

Those affected are:

Mr. Dickson Uche Eze, Principal Accountant (SGL 12)

Mrs. Esther Emeruwa, Senior Accountant (SGL 10)

Mrs. Ijeoma Jonathan, Chief Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 14)

Mrs. Treasure Isinguzo, Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 13)

Mrs. Chioma Victoria Erondu, Principal Executive Officer (Accounts – SGL 12)

Mrs. Hannah Ezinne Eze, Senior Executive Officer (General Duties – SGL 09)

The statement noted that a seventh officer, Mrs. Chioma Favour Madu, was cleared of wrongdoing after she promptly reported the overpayment and took steps to correct it.

The Commission further disclosed that the probe raised concerns about the possible complicity of some members of the Salary Committee, prompting Governor Alex Otti to order a separate investigation into its activities.

It added that those dismissed will be handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.

According to the Commission, the action demonstrates the government’s “commitment to transparency, discipline, and zero tolerance for corruption in public service.”

The Abia State Government urged civil servants and stakeholders to remain dedicated to integrity and to promptly report any suspected irregularities through appropriate channels.