Abia loses N194 million annually to “ghost security personnel”- Report
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
A report by a 7-man Committee for the Audit of Arms and Personnel has revealed that the Abia State government loses about N194 million annually as a result of the existence of ghosts workers in its two security outfits: the Abia State Vigilante Service (AVS) and Abia State Homeland Security Watch (AHLSW).
The report of the Committee which uncovered the fraud and was presented by its Chairman, Retired Assistant Commandant Ogbuehi Emmanuel, said the scam was part of the persistent Ghost Workers Syndrome plaguing the state government’s civil and public service.
Emmanuel, while presenting the report to the state governor, Dr. Alex Otti on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at Government House Umuahia, neither gave details as to period the fraudulent payments commenced and how long it lasted nor the number of personnel involved.
While revealing its findings, Emmanuel said there existed ghost workers within both the Abia Vigilante Service and Abia State Homeland Security Watch, which results in the loss of about N194 million annually by the state government.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor for giving them the opportunity to serve in the committee and expressed hope that the recommendations made would be implemented to establish a well-policed state.
Receiving the Committee’s report, Governor Alex Otti highlighted the danger posed to the government when security personnel are listed as ghost workers and commended the committee for their exceptional performance.
The Governor, represented by his Chief of staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to establishing a crime-free society, and emphasized his unwavering commitment to a secured state.
He stressed that progress in any society hinges on the eradication of both corruption and crime, assuring that government would thoroughly review the recommendations made by the committee.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (rtd.) was present during the report presentation.
