x

Alleged N96bn Fraud: Gov Wike Files Criminal Charges Against Amaechi

Nyesom Wike, Rivers governor, says the state has filed a suit against Rotimi Amaechi, former governor, over alleged fraud.

Wike had set up a seven-man panel to probe Amaechi over an alleged withdrawal of N96 billion from the state’s treasury during the latter’s tenure as governor.

The panel had also investigated issues surrounding the “sale of assets” by the former governor.

The listed valuable assets are Omoku Gas Turbine, Afam Gas Turbine, Trans Amadi Gas Turbine, Eleme Gas Turbine, Olympia Hotel, and the contract award for the execution of Mono Rail Project.

The panel submitted its report in 2015, while Amaechi has insisted that he is not guilty of fraud.

However, on May 27, 2022, the supreme court dismissed an application by Amaechi, challenging the probe.

Wike, while swearing in three new commissioners at the government house in Port Harcourt on Friday, announced that criminal charges have been filed against the former governor, as well as Sahara Energy, a firm indicted in the deals.

The firm is co-founded by Tonye Cole, a businessman and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers state.

Wike directed Zaccheus Adangor, the state attorney-general, to commence immediate prosecution.

“Attorney-general, you’re at a critical period where people want to know what the state is going to do with the judiciary panel of inquiry after the supreme court judgment on it,” he said.

“Luckily, you came at the right time when we have preferred criminal charges against the former governor (Amaechi), Sahara Energy, Tonye Cole and the rest of them.

“So, you are coming at the right time to take over the matter and to make sure it is prosecuted diligently. I don’t want to hear excuses. Let the people see what happened to our money.

“The world will see how $50 million from our account was moved to a company without anything to show whether there was a business.”

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalistAs...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Stakeholders Push for Urgent Telecom Reforms as Tech Disruptions Accelerate

With emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing,...

DSS Arrests Five Over Kidnap, Murder of One-Year-Old in Kano

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested five...

Wigwe Helicopter Crash: U.S. Operator May Face Criminal Charges

The operators of the helicopter that crashed and claimed...

Outrage Grows Over Alleged Mismanagement of El-Rufai’s $350m World Bank Loan in Kaduna

Tensions are rising in Kaduna State as stakeholders voice...

Zazzaga Congratulates Tsenyil on NCDC Appointmen

By Israel Adamu, Jos The North-Central All Progressives Congress, APC,...

Dr Olawepo-Hashim Visits Gov. Mutfwang Ahead of Worship Convention

By Isreal Adamu, Jos Frontline politician, businessman, and former presidential...

Oil Cabal Behind Smear Campaign Against Mele Kyari- Coalition Alleges

… Say Its A Plot to Undermine Tinubu’s Administration...

Delta Speaker assures of high premium on Assembly staff

By Anne AzukaSpeaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img