Defend yourself against allegations, former presidential aide tells Cross River House of Assembly

By Akpan David, Calabar

Former chairman of Special Presidential Investigation Panel for Recovery of Public Property (SPIP), Obol Okoi Obono -Obla has called on the Cross River State House of Assembly, (CRSHA) to immediately defend itself against the allegations of financial fraud. 

A few days ago, an online newspaper alleged that the Assembly was planning to misuse N31.5million for procurement of two air-conditioners, four fans, water dispensers, as well as construction of a mace for N15 million in 2025.

In a statement, Obono-Obla, an APC chieftain stated that the plan by the assembly has the propensity to inflict a further financial strain and a heavy burden on the common people in the state.

“It is crucial for the Assembly to promptly address these allegations and provide a clear response. 

“Failure to do so may imply validity to the accusations”, Obla stated.

“The job of the Assembly includes exposing corruption, inefficiency, or waste in the implementation of laws within its legislative purview, as well as in the allocation and management of funds approved by the Assembly. 

“It is stipulated in section 128 subsection 2 (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) (as amended) that the House of Assembly has the mandate to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of public funds. 

“Therefore, it is concerning that an institution like the anti-corruption agency of the Cross River State House of Assembly, tasked with upholding financial integrity, could be implicated in any activities that raise doubts about its own integrity.

“These allegations by Sahara Reporters suggest a concerning misuse of state funds during a challenging economic period that places a heavy burden on the common people. 

“It is crucial for the Cross River State House of Assembly to promptly address these allegations and provide a clear response,” he said.