Abia Judicial Panel on Recovery of looted properties, announce commencement of hearing date 

 

The Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Recovery of Government Properties, Funds and Related Matters set up by the Abia State Government, will hold its inaugural sitting on August 15.

A statement by Secretary of the Panel, Justina Oluchi Ebo, said members of the public are expected to submit written petitions. 

Recall that the state governor, Alex Otti, inaugurated the committee to among other things, receive and examine complaints from individuals and corporate entities on the looting and or conversion of Government properties. 

The committee is also saddled with the responsibility of probing  funds and related matters from May 2015 to May 2023 and, where necessary, make recommendations to the Governor for remedial measures or any other measures as appropriate.

Other terms of reference of the panel include, “Examine and ascertain whether Government moveable and immovable assets and funds or part of it have been illegally acquired/occupied/converted to private use from May, 2015 to May, 2023 and identify the persons responsible and further make recommendations for recovery and appropriate sanctions.

“Ascertain the extent of allocation and revocation of land in Abia State from May 2015 to May, 2023 and determine the propriety of such allocation and revocation.

“Review the award and execution of contracts from May 2015 to May 2023 and ascertain if they were in conformity with extant laws.

“To review employments, promotions, appointments, payments in respect of the employments, appointments and termination of the employments and appointments from May 2015 to May 2023 and to ascertain if they were in conformity with extant laws.

“To investigate any other matter incidental or related to the foregoing Terms of Reference and make recommendations to the Government based on their findings.”

The procedure for participation of the public includes that:  “Submit seven copies of Petitions/Memoranda typed in double-line spacing.

“Each Petition must be verified by an affidavit while a memorandum may be notarized or verified by an affidavit.”