An extensive audit report by the 7-Member Committee for the Audit of Arms and Personnel in the Abia State Vigilante Service (AVS) and Abia State Homeland Security Watch (AHLSW) has exposed the persistent Ghost Workers scandal plaguing the state government, with an annual loss amounting to millions of naira.
Chairman of the Committee, Retired Assistant Commandant Ogbuehi Emmanuel, disclosed this at Government House Umuahia while officially submitting her findings to the State Governor.
Ogbuehi who revealed the existence of ghost workers within both the Abia Vigilante Service and Abia State Homeland Security Watch further disclosed that the state government loses up to N194 million annually as a result of the existence of the ghost workers syndrome among the security personnel.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor for giving them the opportunity to serve in the committee and expressed hope that the recommendations made would be implemented to establish a well-policed state.
Receiving the committee’s report, Governor Alex Otti highlighted the danger posed to the government when security personnel are listed as ghost workers and commended the committee for their exceptional performance.
Governor Otti,represented by his Chief of staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba,reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to establishing a crime-free society, and emphasized his unwavering commitment to a secure state.
He stressed that progress in any society hinges on the eradication of both corruption and crime and assured that government would thoroughly review the recommendations made by the committee.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (rtd.) was present during the report presentation.
