Allegations of widespread corruption have surfaced against the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, Mr. Ndu Walter, following the leak of documents that purportedly detail a web of financial misappropriation and abuse of office.
According to Rivers Integrity Online, Mr. Walter is at the center of a suspected ₦300 million embezzlement scheme involving the diversion of public funds intended for local development projects. The funds were allegedly funneled through his brother-in-law, Mr. Christopher Obi, who is believed to have acted as a proxy in the laundering operation.
Since his controversial appointment by the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas (rtd), Mr. Walter has reportedly issued a series of directives to banks managing the council’s accounts, authorizing suspicious transfers and withdrawals.
Insiders within the council claim that multiple memos signed by Mr. Walter suggest a consistent pattern of financial malpractice, pointing to a calculated effort to loot public resources. The disclosures have sparked outrage among community stakeholders and civil society organizations across the state.
In response, a coalition of concerned citizens from Obio/Akpor has pledged to submit formal petitions to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), urging a thorough investigation into the matter.
“This goes beyond a mere abuse of office. It is a blatant theft of funds meant to improve the lives of ordinary citizens,” said one of the petitioners, who requested anonymity. “We are committed to ensuring accountability and justice.”
Sources close to the petitioners also allege that funds were frequently transferred to a First Bank account belonging to Mr. Christopher Obi (Account Number: 2011345135), which they claim was used repeatedly to siphon the looted funds.
As of press time, efforts to contact Mr. Walter and Mr. Obi for comment were unsuccessful.
These allegations come amid mounting criticism of the practice of appointing local government administrators rather than holding democratic elections. Activists and analysts alike are calling for sweeping reforms and a return to elected leadership at the grassroots level.
With public scrutiny intensifying, attention now shifts to Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies as citizens demand prompt action and accountability in what could become a defining case in the fight against local government corruption.
