Hon. Obinna Ichita
World Bank loan: ‘My life now in danger for demanding accountability,’ Abia lawmaker cries out
[From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia]
Member of the Abia House of Assembly, Hon. Obinna Ichita has raised the alarm, claiming that his life is in danger for demanding accountability of N27 billion World Bank loan to the state.
Hon. Ichita, representing Aba South Constituency, in a statement issued in Umuahia, said his life is being threatened for asking for explanation on how a N27 billion World Bank loan issued to the Abia State Government for flood control and construction of major roads in Aba South was used.
He further alleged that those suspected to be after his life were trying to hide under the wave of insecurity in the South East to eliminate him.
“I, Obinna Ichita, wish to inform the general public that my life has come under a serious threat.
“Accordingly, the relevant security and intelligence agencies have been notified. The Office of the National Security Adviser and the Headquarters of the AU Committee on Intelligence and Security Services have been furnished with details of this threat.
“The Heads of Diplomatic Missions of European countries in Nigeria, The European Union,The US Embassy and the UK High Commission have all been alerted,” the statement read in part.
According to the lawmaker, the need for a thorough investigation by the appropriate superior authorities is accentuated by the plans of some persons/ quarters to hide under the shadow of insecurity in the South East geopolitical zone of Nigeria to perpetuate heinous crimes in the hope that culpability for such crimes would be placed on the doorsteps of “unknown gunmen .”
Vowing that he would not be deterred in baring his mind on public issues affecting the life of his constituents, Ichita said: “I want to restate that no amount of threat would deplete my belief in accountability in the use of Public funds especially as it relates to the over 27 Billion Naira world bank intervention for flood control and construction of major roads in Aba South through NEWMAP, which money has been paid in full by the World Bank to the State Government.”
While assuring that the development would not deter him from discharging his legislative functions, the lawmaker said, “lastly, my duties as a member of the Abia House of Assembly, especially as it relates to the Ad-hoc committee investigating the allegations / controversies surrounding the N22 Billion Paris Club refund to the state government would continue to be discharged without any fear of intimidation from any quarters.”
He told The Oracle Today in a chat that he could not let out more information than as contained in his statement in order not to jeopardize investigations into his allegation.
