The State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in Imo State Charles Ezekwem has accused the state governor, Rochas Okorocha of withdrawing the sum of N17 billion from four banks in three days.
Ezekwem also accused the governor of converting government properties to personal use.
The Chairman disclosed this in Owerri State while addressing press conference on Saturday.
The Party Chairman alleged that Okorocha withdrew the money between Tuesday, March 12, 2019, and Thursday, March 14, 2019, from Unity Bank, Skye Banks, Zenith Bank and Access Bank.
He said: “In the last two days alone, Governor Okorocha and his cronies transferred ownership and re-registered more than 150 government vehicles to individuals. Government property including furniture and electronics in Government House, Owerri, are being moved out to Ogboko, Ideato South, the governor’s country home.
“About 300 uninstalled transformers have been moved to the governor’s home in Ogboko.
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Ezekwem accused the imcumbent governor of intentionally trying to cause confusion for the incoming government by engaging in mass employment and back-dating the dates of employment.
“We are also aware of the rampant issuance of Certificates of Occupancy to family members and friends of the Okorocha family,” the party said.
According to the party, those involved in the act do so at their own peril.
In its reaction, Okorocha through his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodu said the PDP had no right to harass the government and financial institutions until they were sworn in.
He said: “There is a government in place and until May 29, 2019, that government should continue to work in the interest of the state and her people and also continue to carry out programmes and policies for the same purpose, until its tenure ends. To begin to harass or give directives to financial institutions in the state is an act of hostility and they should know that.
“The financial institutions in the state should disregard such directive and continue to do the right thing and take the right action since the best they can do is to confront the outgoing government on any financial transaction they have reservations about when they take over.’’
