Alleged N36bn Fraud: Commission Of Inquiry Invites Amaechi’s Henchmen, Parker, Boms, Peterside
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Rivers State Government to investigate alleged N36 Billion fraud involving the state government-owned Integrated Medical Industries Limited for the manufacture of Auto Destruct Syringes at Rumuosi, Obio/Akpor local government area of the State has invited some Commissioners who served during the administration of former Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to appear before it.
The affected ex-officials of the government include former Health Commissioner, Dr. Sampson Parker; former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. (Barr) Worgu Boms; former Finance Commissioner, Dr. Chamberlin Peterside and the Transport Officer of Integrated Medical Industries (IMI), Mr. Christopher Evivie.
The Commission in a letter dated January 7, 2019 directed the affected officers to appear before it on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at its office located at Block C, former High Court 20, Judiciary Complex, Port Harcourt by 9 O’clock in the morning.
The letter said the affected persons would appear and give evidence regarding their activities as principal officers in the management and affairs of the Integrated Medical Industries Ltd.
It further urged them to produce all the necessary documents regarding the assets of IMI, adding that their failure to comply with the directives were at their own peril.
While addressing journalists at the Government House after the setting up of the Commission of Inquiry in November, 2018, Information and Communications Commissioner, Hon. Emma Okah said the decision to set up the panel was reached at the State Executive Council meeting.
Okah said the decision was based on the acceptance of the recommendations of an Executive Committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, which was set up to look into the matter.
A statement read by Okah read in part: the management team led by one Mr. Amenya Wokoma has been sacked while a management structure will be put in place pending the outcome of the commission of inquiry.
“Council has also directed the Hon Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to take over the ongoing prosecution of Mr. Amenya Wokoma for his role in the stealing of company assets worth billions of naira.”
The Auto Destruct Syringe factory was set up by the administration of Dr Peter Odili and it began production in 2009.
“Following a convoluted quest for expansion, the State Government under the leadership of Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi inflicted the State with aggravated financial exposure which cannot be accounted for today as the company has gone aground and N36Billion investment now drained.
“A fraud of N36Billion is not a tea party and the state government will stop at nothing to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
