Confusion in Enugu as lawmakers invite EFCC to probe Basic Education board chairman

The Enugu State Houses of Assembly on Thursday invited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate allegations of administrative and financial

recklessness leveled against the Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board, Mrs Nneka Onuorah.

The development is seen as fallout in the ‘war’ between the legislative and executive arms of government in Enugu State.

In addition to the invitation extended to the anti-graft agency to investigate Onuorah, believed to be an ally of Governor Sullivan Chime, the House also advised the Universal Basic Education Board to, henceforth, stop relating with her (Onuorah) pending the outcome of  the investigations into the allegations.

The lawmakers equally resolved to freeze the accounts of ENSUBEB in Sterling Bank, United Bank for Africa and other banks pending the conclusion of the investigations.

The decisions followed a resolution passed by the House after considering a petition brought before it by members of the Board of ENSUBEB, who accused the chairman of ENSUBEB of administrative and financial recklessness.

The lawmakers speedily resolved to invite the EFCC to probe the ENSUBEB boss after the petition was read by Hon. Mike Onyeze, representing Igboeze North 1 Constituency.

In the petition against the ENSUBEB Executive Chairman, two members of the ENSUBED Board, Dr. T.E. Ayogu and Professor Ikenna Chukwu, alleged that Onuorah awarded a contract for the construction and renovation of schools without the approval of the board.

They also alleged that she awarded another N199m contract for the construction of seats and tables for primary school pupils without the approval of the board.

The lawmakers also ordered the the Accountant-General of the state, Mr. Pascal Okolie, to appear before the House whenever he is summoned to disclose the expenditure and revenue profile of the state, including contingency funds.

It would be recalled that lawmakers had earlier directed the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Dan Bature, to issue a warrant of arrest on the Accountant-General, Okolie, for initially refusing to appear before the House to explain the delay in the payment of the legislators’ overhead allowances.

The legislators believed the executive is withholding the allowance to ‘punish’ them for refusing to approve a request for an N11bn loan.