Panel Uncovers ₦106b Contracts Scam Awarded By Okorocha’s Administration

The Imo State Judicial Commission of Enquiry on Contracts awarded between 2011 and 2019 on Monday has accused Senator Rochas Okorocha led administration of awarding fake and fraudulent contracts worth ₦106 billion.

The panel of enquiry, chaired by Justice Benjamin Iheaka (rtd), who gave the revelation while submitting its report to Governor Hope Uzodimma at the Executive Chambers of the Government House in Owerri stated that some contracts were inflated or given to phoney companies.

The panel also stated that there was a flagrant disregard for due process and the Public Procurement Act, seen in “outrageous contract pricing and shady contract executions as well as payment for non-performing contracts”.

Justice Iheaka said there was evidence of phoney companies that were used to siphon state funds.

The chairman, therefore, appealed to the governor not to sweep the report and recommendations under the carpet, but to do whatever is in his power to ensure that those indicted are made to return the funds.

The panel identified some civil servants who were honest, dedicated and resisted every pressure by the contract scammers to use their offices to defraud the state during the period under review. Governor Uzodimma assured that all those indicted and identified in the report will be made to return the fund.

Naija News recalls that the Imo state government had earlier on August 25th 20202 uncovered a building were  the former Governor who is also serving Senator allegedly kept looted properties by his administration.