The Director-General of the Office of the Due Process and Public Procurement Bureau, Abia State, Mr Oluebube Chukwu, has allegedly blocked the July 2026 salary of a driver at the Government House, Umuahia, over an undisclosed offence.
Chukwu was alleged to have instructed the Accountant-General of Abia State, Njum Uma-Onyemenam, to block the July 2026 salary of the junior worker as punishment for an undisclosed offence, a directive allegedly carried out by the Accountant-General.
The matter was brought to the attention of Governor Alex Otti on Thursday during the monthly media chat between Governor Otti and Abia journalists.
Responding to the allegation, Governor Otti said he was unaware of such an action allegedly involving his Special Assistant and the Abia State Accountant-General.
The governor, who expressed doubt about such unauthorised actions by his two appointees, ordered the Secretary to the State Government, Emmanuel Meribeole, to obtain more details in order to thoroughly investigate the matter.
Governor Otti said that the arbitrary and vindictive blocking of a worker’s salary had no place in his administration.
“But as I said, even as the governor, I cannot instruct that somebody’s name be removed from the payroll.
“Even if I give such an instruction, you must follow due process,” Governor Otti said.
Gov Otti orders investigation as two Abia officials block civil servant’s July salary