8th September 2025, NewsOrient, Opinion, Column, Governance And Development, Law And Society, News
By Emeka Nwosu, PhD.

One of the greatest challenges to good governance and development in emerging societies is the cancer of corruption. It is for this singular reason that many safeguards are provided in the constitution to check the menace and ensure that the people are not short-changed in any way.

In Nigeria, corruption has been the bane of development. In spite of the various efforts that have been made through constitutional engineering and economic reforms, corruption remains a huge monster to be tamed.

When he was sworn in as the Governor of Abia State on May 29, 2023, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti vowed to tackle corruption and ensure that due process is enthroned in the conduct of public policy. He promised to deliver good governance with zero tolerance for sharp practices and official misconduct. In over two years that he has been on the political saddle of the State, Otti has continued to make the desired difference to the admiration of the good people of Abia.

A few days ago, Ottis anti-corruption gale hit the States Ministry of Justice, sweeping away in the process some senior civil servants who were found to have wilfully engaged in corrupt practices to the detriment of the economy of the State. The officials who worked in the Accounts Department of the Justice Ministry were sacked by the State Government after an internal audit and administrative inquiry found that they allegedly manipulated payroll systems to receive padded salaries.

According to a statement by the Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, Dr. Eno Eze, the dismissed officials included a Principal Accountant (SGL 12), Senior Accountant (SGL 10), Chief Executive Officer (Accounts) (SGL 14), Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Accounts) (SGL 13), Principal Executive Officer (Accounts) (SGL 12), and a Senior Executive Officer (General Duties) (SGL 09).

The statement further explained that the disciplinary action followed a detailed investigation by the State Civil Service Commission, which independently reviewed financial records of the Justice Ministry and interrogated the concerned officers before concluding that they had “knowingly benefitted from irregular salary payments to the detriment of the State”.

It is, unfortunate to note that five of the interdicted officials are women. This is worrisome, considering the fact that the female gender are relatively more restrained and fiscally disciplined than their male counterparts.

The investigations, it was reported, raised serious concerns about the possible complicity of some members of the Salary Committee in the fraud. The Governor has subsequently directed that the activities of the committee be subjected to a separate probe to ensure full accountability.
The Governor must be commended for standing firm and never buoyed by sentiments and emotions, regardless of the gender of the culprits.

By his resolute action, Otti has demonstrated a clear commitment to transparency and probity in the conduct of public policy. He has also sent strong signals to other corrupt elements in the system that their days are numbered, if they refuse to mend their ways.

By weeding out these corrupt officials from the Ministry of Justice, Governor Otti has shown courage and political will, a scarce commodity in our clime.

There is no doubt that this bold decision of the government would have a very reverberating impact on the public sector of Abia State. All civil servants would now have to sit up and diligently apply themselves to their duties, knowing that any acts of indiscretion on their part come with unpleasant consequences.

The message is quite clear: under Alex Otti, Abia has zero tolerance for corruption. Every government official should follow the due process in the discharge of their duties. This is the only way we can have the Abia of our dream, where excellence and diligence are the hallmarks of service.

All well-meaning people of Abia should support Governor Otti in his anti-corruption crusade to get rid of itchy fingers in the civil service and other sectors of the State.

The effects of corruption on social development everywhere are very palpable and injurious. When public funds are diverted to private pockets, such misdemeanor stalls development projects, compromises service delivery and deepens poverty.

The cleansing which has begun with the Ministry of Justice is notable and commendable. Governor Otti should stay the course. In the long run, the State will be better for it.

May Abia continue to prevail!

Dr. Nwosu, a Public Policy Analyst, writes from Umuahia.
Email: cdnwosu2@gmail.com

~ Published By NewsOrient Network

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