Secret Reporters No place to hide
Secret Reporters
Following the recent revelation on the frivolous activities of the Chairman Abak local government area in Akwa Ibom State, the legislative Council have moved to impeach him on the grounds of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
According to the impeachment notice, the councillors had earlier requested the notorious council boss Barr. Imoh Willams, known for his frivolous spending to tender before it the income and expenditure of October and November 2018 due to his inclusions of items which were not agreed at the FGPC meeting. Imoh Williams refused to tender the documents as he verbally told the councillors that they lacked the constitutional powers needed to request for such. An act that contravenes Section 32 (1) (2) (3) of the Local Government Administration Law of Akwa Ibom State and Section 392 Criminal Code “C 38” EFCC Act (2004) tantamount to abuse of office.
Mr Imoh was also accused of appointing his brother, Mr Emase Isaiah Williams as his Chief of Staff and placed him on a monthly salary of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (₦200,000.00) against the Provisions of the Financial Guidelines for Local Government Administration in Akwa Ibom State even though the brother is a staff of National Orientation Agency, thus fraudulently receiving salaries simultaneously from two Government Agencies.
Showcasing his looting strengths, the LGA boss also obtained a loan of Five Million Naira (₦5,000,000.00) from Akwa Savings and Loans Limited without the approval of the Legislative Council for the purchase of a car. Investigations have since revealed that repayments for the Toyota Camry registered in his name was from monthly allocations of Abak Government Council.
Asides unilaterally awarding contracts to his family members and instructing revenue agents of the Local Government Area to regularly make payments to members of his immediate family namely; Mr Emase Williams, Mr Uwana Williams, Mrs Nsikak Williams and Oto-obong Umanah, the local crook also approved monthly deductions of Two Million Naira (₦2,000,000.00) from Council Allocation for purported payment of allowances to non-existing aides from December 2018 till date.
With a Chronic Indebtedness to members of the public especially for services rendered to him in his private capacity, the LGA boss who allegedly paid Ten Million Naira (₦10,000,000.00) as gratification to the House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to facilitate his reinstatement, fraudulently withdrew the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦500,000.00) for the participation of his wife and other women in the Monthly Prayer Submit for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial women.
The 11 counsellors further stated that the shameful act has brought incalculable damage to the image of the Local Government and has become a regular topic on both the Newspaper and Social Media.
Against the underlying allegation, the embattled Abak LGA boss was, however, presented with an opportunity to clear his name within seven days.
It will be recalled that Mr Imoh Williams was in the news sometime last year for allegedly ordering his aides to beat up an artisan who demanded his payment. He was, however, reinstated by the State House of Assembly after his suspension as the found no case against him.
