Worried by the report of extortion of unsuspecting members of the public by the COVID 19 local government sub-committee who were given the responsibility to compile the list of poor persons, Governor David Umahi has warned that any public servant who indulges in the act would be arrested and prosecuted.
Governor Umahi made the disclosure in Abakaliki during a state wide broadcast on the update of preventive measures taken by the state government to prevent the spread of the virus into the state.
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The State Governor was reacting to a phone in by an indegene of Ezza North local government area who alleged that in the local government area, rural dwellers were being forced to pay between N100 and N200 before their names would be shortlisted for the state and federal government palliative measures.
He described as unfortunate and regrettable a sitaution where public office holders would extort money from the poor members of the community before shortlisting their names for the palliative aimed at alleviating their suffering.
Governor Umahi urged the people not to hesitate to report to his office anyone who demand money from them adding that the names would be scrutinised before the disbursements would be made.
Similarly, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr. Francis Nweze in a statement signed and made available to Leadership also noted at Itim ward in Afikpo North local government area of the state, people was compelled to pay between N100 and N200 to get registered to the COVID19 Palliatives set aside by the state government to help the people of Ebonyi State.
