I am ready for probe over erection of statues – Okorocha

-Rochas Okorocha has welcomed the probe idea initiated by SERAP over the erection of statues in Imo state.

-The governor also denied owing workers’ salaries as claimed by SERAP.

Imo state government responds to call by SERAP for Okorocha’s probe.

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state, has made himself available for probe over the statues he erected in honour of South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma and Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.

Recall the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), had on Sunday, accused Okorocha of wasting over N1billion of public funds over the statues for the two African leaders and thereafter called for a probe into his action.

But in a statement on Tuesday, Sam Onwuemeodo, chief press secretary to the governor, denied public fund was used to erect the images and further denied claims the state government was owing its workers’ salaries.

“First, we want to solemnly subscribe to SERAP’s call for probe. We welcome the call. Our only concern is that SERAP contradicted itself by also passing judgements,” the statement read.

“It would have stopped at the call for probe to show they meant well. But they went ahead to pass judgements and thereby jeopardising what should have been their innocent call for probe.

“SERAP also said the statues might have cost N1 billion. Then, how would SERAP address the issue of cost again if at the end of the probes, the amount is either far higher or far below what they quoted?

READ ALSO: Maina: Arrest and arraign ex-pension boss – House of reps urges EFCC

“Again, what if at the end of the probe, it is discovered that the statues were not funded from government’s purse, when SERAP had already talked about ‘apparent misuse of public resources’.

“Our concern too is that people deliberately tell unfounded lies. A week ago, all the newspapers had reports on states owing salaries and the chairman of the Imo State branch of NLC, Comrade Austin Chilakpa said the ‘state government is up to date in the payment of workers’ salary’ (see Nation newspaper, Sunday November 5, 2017, pg13).

“In other words, the state does not owe workers including teachers. On the issue of pension, the government cleared all the arrears in December 2016 and has begun to pay monthly. These pieces of information have been there in public domain.”