Revelation: How Former Governor’s Aide Hon. Erondu Allegedly Looted Huge funds from Abia Treasury: Abians Call for Immediate Action

In a shocking revelation, Hon. Erondu Uchenna Erondu, the member presently representing Obingwa West in the Abia State House Of Assembly, and former aide of the ex-Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, has been accused of diverting huge funds possibly running into billions of Naira meant for the payment of salaries for Abia State workers and pensioners. In one instance, it has been revealed that on the 25th of April 2023, Erondu, in collaboration with state government co-horts, allegedly withdrew N600million in one swoop from the State Govt account in Sterling Bank, Umuahia.

They split the loot into four accounts where they can easily have access to it. N250million went to Izzimitime Int Limited with account 1023623012, UBA, Denzons Investment Limited with Acct 1022704664, UBA, got N150million, Govt House Acct 1612280010, FCMB, got N100million, Abia State Infra Dev Initiative Acct 1021424759, UBA also got N100million. Once the funds hit those accounts, they were immediately moved to individuals account from where they were shared.

In another instance, Hon. Erondu orchestrated the diversion of funds from the Abia State Capital Project Account 1019115204 at UBA to an account belonging to his girlfriend, identified as Evangeline Iwenjiora. The funds were allegedly misused to purchase a luxurious SUV for the State Chief Judge, Justice Lilain Abai, at an inflated price. The inflated price of the vehicle was reported to be N110 million, while the actual cost was only N50 million.

There are several and several other diversion and looting running into billions of naira, with houses and properties littered in Umuahia, Aba, Port Harcourt, Lagos and Abuja, allegedly connected to Hon. Erondu, and which a proper investigation will clearly reveal. All these at the expense of Abia workers and pensioners who are owed several months of unpaid salaries and pensions.

These allegations have raised serious concerns among Abians, who are now demanding immediate action from security operatives and anti-corruption agencies.

The brazen act of embezzlement left Abia State workers and pensioners in a messy situation, as their rightful salaries and pensions were put at risk due to this alleged misappropriation. This amounted to grave violation of public trust and a direct assault on the livelihoods of hardworking individuals who depend on their salaries to support themselves and their families.

In response to these allegations, Abians are demanding swift action from security operatives and anti-corruption agencies. They are urging an immediate arrest of Hon. Erondu, and a thorough investigation into his accounts, to ensure justice is served. The people of Abia State have voiced their concerns, emphasizing the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions.

The diversion of funds meant for essential public services is not only a betrayal of the trust bestowed upon government officials but also a hindrance to the development and progress of Abia State. The mismanagement of public resources undermines the government’s ability to deliver on its promises and hampers the welfare of the citizens.

Abians are united in their call for transparency, accountability, and the eradication of corruption from their state. They believe that upholding the rule of law and bringing the culprits to justice will send a strong message to others who may be tempted to engage in similar acts.

The revelations surrounding Hon. Erondu’s alleged misdeeds have sparked outrage and concern within Abia State. The people demand that the appropriate authorities take immediate action to restore their faith in the system. It is only through thorough investigations and the implementation of effective measures that Abians can begin to rebuild their trust and move forward towards a brighter and corruption-free future.

As this story unfolds, we will continue to follow the developments closely and provide updates on any actions taken by the authorities. The people of Abia State deserve justice, and their voices must be heard.

Ugwu Theophilus
For Concern Abians