The All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Abia State chapter, has asked the Speaker of the State House, Chinedum Orji, to resign over alleged N150 billion fraud investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
APGA stated that the revelation by the EFCC showed that the Speaker and former Abia State governor, Senator Theodore Orji, who represents Abia Central at the Senate, allegedly looted funds belonging to the state.
In a statement signed by the Ebere Uzoukwa and Ferdinand Ekeoma, State Publicity Secretary,APGA and Media Aide to Dr.Alex Otti, respectively, the party called on both the Speaker and his father, to resign from their legislative duties and defend themselves over the allegation.
The party insisted that they have lost the moral right to represent the people of Abia or preside over the State Assembly.
“It is our considered view that given the damaging revelations, both father and son should step down from their legislative duties and face their matters in EFCC as they have lost the moral right to represent the people of Abia, much more preside over the State Assembly. This is without prejudice to their right to be heard in court, should they choose to defend the weighty allegations.
“APGA wishes to express her joy and state that the present EFCÇ onslaught is a huge blessing to Abians as it would help correct all false narratives consistently peddled by Abia State government, the suspects and their idle appointees against innocent Abians, and unmask all those who have played one role or another in the destruction of Abia state.
“We understand that millions of Abians in particular and Nigerians in general have been expressing shock, disbelief and anger over the report due to the magnitude of the thievery and therefore join Abians in solidarity.
“We believe that the very in-depth report has confirmed our leader, Dr. Alex Otti’s long held view that the former governor presided over an era of mindless kleptocracy as governor.”
The party urged the people of the state to remain vigilant even as EFCC continues with its investigation aimed at returning all looted Abia funds as well as bringing perpetrators of financial crimes to justice.
“Like millions of Abians and Nigerians, we believe that Orji and his son committed the kind of financial crimes that bore the trademark of incurable lunacy, and left the legacies of impunity, ruins and absolute destruction which have placed the burden of perpetual suffering, sorrow and subjugation on millions of Abians.”
