Former Ebonyi LG chairman denies looting council’s properties

The immediate past Chairman of Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Chidiebere Uzor, on Monday denied allegations that he vandalised council properties before leaving office.

A viral video had accused Uzor of vandalising properties belonging to the council before leaving office some weeks ago.

The video surfaced shortly after the new chairman inspected the office.

Uzor, in a telephone interview, denied the allegations, stating that he was shocked by the viral video after handing it over successfully.

He wondered why the allegations were coming days after his exit, stressing that the aim of those behind it is to tarnish the good reputation he has built over the years.

“I was shocked when I saw the viral video showing an empty office and my successor accusing me of vandalising all the properties before leaving office.

“Why is the video coming days after I handed over successfully to him? As you can see, I am resting after serving my people for two years. I am not around, and that is why I am reacting through a telephone interview,” he said.

The viral video showed empty offices, destroyed chairs, tables, television sets, refrigerators, cupboards, essential documents, and other items belonging to the council.

Newly sworn-in chairman of the council, Okechukwu Ogbuoffia, had said when he inspected the council secretariat with his officials that he found an empty office.

“We are here to inspect and take over the offices and properties of the local government, having been sworn in by the State Governor on Sunday, the 1st of September 2024. But to our greatest shock, no single property was seen at the ALGON office here in Abakaliki.

“At the Council Headquarters in Isu, the office properties were looted and vandalised. This is very unfortunate and regrettable. There is nothing left here to take off with, and we are going to make our findings known to the State Governor and expect his intervention and further directive,” he said.

Meanwhile, stakeholders of the local government have called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the former Council Chairman, Mr. Chidiebere Uzor, to serve as a deterrent to other political office holders who loot and vandalise government properties during their exit from office.

But there are mixed feelings about the viral video, as one Mr. Odi Nelson said that it is unbelievable that the Chairman would release the video days after he was sworn in as Chairman.

He noted that the new chairman has not been to the office since he was sworn in and wondered how he will run the council if he does not come to work.

Another stakeholder, Mr. Clement, condemned the alleged looting and vandalization, adding that the properties were procured with the funds of the local government and should not be treated with levity.

“The action is condemnable and very unfortunate. Every stakeholder in the local government condemned the action in its entirety. The looting and vandalization of the local government facilities and properties by the outgoing administration in the local government must be investigated,” he said.

He asked the State government to order the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the alleged looting and vandalization.