Ministry of Environment staff in Abia protest over an unaddressed salary fraud report that exposed N8 million in deductions. Staff urge Governor Otti to act for justice and accountability.
In a bold protest, staff of Abia State’s Ministry of Environment gathered today, demanding the implementation of a panel report that reveals unauthorized deductions totaling over N8 million from their salaries since 2021. The investigation was initiated by the Honorable Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, and the report was submitted to authorities a month ago but remains unaddressed.
There has been increased pressure from the ministry’s workers seeking the enforcement of the report’s recommendations, which include the immediate return of the illegally deducted funds, strict financial oversight, and the transfer of indicted officials out of the ministry. The report also urges systemic reforms in financial management, citing weaknesses that allowed the deductions to go unchecked.
The panel, led by the Head of Department Climate Change Mr Ike Chris, recommended that three senior finance officers—Enogwe Oluchi, Eke Patience Uloaku, and Nwogu Michael Eze—face disciplinary action, return the deducted funds, and be transferred from the ministry. Since the report’s submission, however, it is alleged that implicated officials have reportedly claimed “nothing will happen” to them, fueling frustration among ministry staff.
“We are out here today because enough is enough,” said a protesting staff member. “We’ve lost faith in those who should protect us from exploitation, but we’re appealing to Governor Alex Otti to intervene and ensure we’re refunded.” Otti, who became governor after the deductions began, faces growing calls to address the ministry’s demands.
The panel’s investigation revealed that deductions, totaling over N8 million, were made from 103 employees’ salaries and transferred into an account under suspicious circumstances. Despite the clear evidence provided by the panel, the lack of enforcement has left many questioning the ministry’s commitment to accountability and employee welfare.
The report outlines weaknesses in financial oversight within the ministry, with deductions—labeled under a suspicious “Christmas Welfare Association”—occurring without proper authorization. Advocates and civil society groups are now urging the governor to intervene to restore employee trust in the government and uphold accountability.
As employees continue to voice their grievances, the spotlight remains on Abia authorities and their next steps toward addressing the scandal and restoring justice for the affected staff.
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