I have not retired as Imo LGA Auditor-General – Barr. Nwosu

Contrary to the story published in some newspapers and social media platforms, Barr. Osita Nwosu said he is never an ex auditor general, he is still the incumbent Auditor General, Local government, Imo State by law and could not have smuggled out any official document from his own office.

According Barr. Nwosu, he was confounded by the sponsored stories by some of his detractors who felt he could be swayed by their wicked mischief. He wondered why Journalists would not insist on hearing from both sides even if takes time rather than rushing to make headline while defaming an innocent person.

In his explanation, he said: “As an Auditor General, I am required by law to retire at a specific age of 60. I was surprised when I received a letter that I should proceed on a live by civil service a rule, an action he considered improper and unfounded going by the spirit of the law.

“I was appointed Auditor-General for Local Governments in August 2011 and would retire on 7th June, 2020 on attainment of Sxty (60) years of age.

“Auditor-Generals in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Section 127(2), retire by age of Sixty (60) years and not length of service of 35 years. It is also entrenched in Imo State Local Government Law; Law 15 of 2000, Section 001001 of Imo State Public Service Rules.

Our investigation revealed that one Okey Anyanwu, a member of a committee to to review appointments made between 2015 and 2019. Rather than focus on the period under review, for an unknown interest he was representing, he recommended Mr. Nwosu for retirement, which Nwosu acted swiftly to correct the action.

In defiance to the established Public Service Rule, he allegedly used the office of Chief of Staff to secure a retirement letter from the former SSG, Hon. Uche Onyegocha and the Head of Service, Dr. Chibuzor Camilius.

Mr. Nwosu however protested the impropriety of the letter with a six page letter the former Governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha titled: UNLAWFUL RETIREMENT FROM SERVICE ARISING FROM GOVERNMENT WHITEPAPER…”

Mr. expressed surprise at the appearance of one Mr. appearance of Edomobi impersonating as an acting Auditor-General when no panel nor any act of parliament had been issued to cut short his remaining five months in office.

The Auditor-General revealed he has reported to Governor Hope Uzodinma over the illegal locking of his office and harrassment by hired thugs.

“I know my right and I cannot allow some few persons mess up the image of the State over an issue that boarders on politics. I have only five months to live. I don’t mind to pursue this case in court but I believe the Governor will settle this matter in his wisdom”.

“The most painful aspect is the defamation of my person by some journalists without insisting on getting my own side. This is how innocent people are rubbished on the pages of newspaper and on social media.”

Speaking to one of staff who spoke on condition of anonymous, he said: “Our Auditor-General is just a victim of Mbaise-Obowo politics. I do not think that the felt he could protect their interest, especially the Chief of Staff who has done everything to remove Barr. Nwosu from the office.”

He added that Nwosu is from Orlu, Obowo and Mbaise people are feeling unsafe. But the law is clear. If they want him out, they should remove him through the House of Assembly after he must have been found guilty of any administrative irregularities, misappropriation, abuse. Here no panel. I don’t think they understand the law and what they doing.

He confirmed that Mr. Nwosu’s office was flagrantly locked up by Mr. Edomobi. He also revealed that he molested and violently attacked Mr. Nwosu with some staff and hired thugs who were said to be speaking the same dialect with Edomobi.

Meanwhile, Mr. Dominic Edomobi from Ihitte-Uboma is said to be the person claiming to be the Acting Auditor-General, Local Governments, Imo State.

Efforts to reach Me Edomobi to respond was abortive as no one seemed to know his whereabout.

NewsTrack Nigeria confirmed the matter is already under investigation by the police.