ALLEGATION OF SALE OF 30 SLOTS NG-CARE GRANT AND 20 SLOTS UMUNNEOCHI ALLOCATED QUOTA BY HON MATHIAS UME (AKA NWACHI) AND DR. OLUEBUBE CHUKWU
The Nigerian- (NG) Care Grant being World Bank/Federal Government poverty alleviation programme was distributed through Abia State Government in 2023 to Abians. We are grateful to Abia State Government for graciously allocated 50 slots to Umunneochi LGA.
Hon. Mathias Umeh being House of Assembly Member representing Umunneochi constituency in Abia State House of Assembly and Dr. Oluebube Chukwu (SA to Governor on Due process) allegedly on trust got Umunneochi allocations & misused same.
When above subject matter came before the transitional councilors (TC) being representatives of Umunneochi 12 wards in the local Government council. In line with Abia State Government and Umunneochi LGA Zero tolerance to Corruption we investigated the allegations. The investigation lasted for four months (April-July, 2024).
The Council invited both Hon. Mathias Umeh & Dr. Oluebube Chukwu for fair hearing. Evidence can be annexed. Dr. Oluebube Chukwu honoured invitation and confirmed getting 20 slots of NG-Care Grant for Umunneochi LGA which he distributed through Dr. Oluebube Chukwu Foundation of APC & PDP members as no member of Labour party got even one slot.
Hon. Mathias Umeh declined invitations rather published in verified Umunneochi stakeholders Labour Party whatsapp platform confirming recipient of 30 slots of NG-Care onbehalf of Umunneochi LGA. Evidence can be annexed. However, he did not deny allegation/ his involvement in hawking & selling of the NG-Care Grant Slots.
Transitional Councilor (Hon Simon Okorie) representing his Ubahu /Akawa/Aroikpa Ward sureted him promised to bring him before the council/return the NG-Care Grant or its proceeds to Umunneochi L.G.A through the council However, he later withdrew his suretyship.
FINDINGS:
The council observed and were presented with following evidences.
Two account details Hon Umeh Mathias released including his personal account details through his verified personal whatsapp platform for N100,000.00 payment per slot. Evidence can be annexed.
Evidence of payments of N100,000 per slot into the accounts including Debit advice by beneficiaries of the NG-Care Grant. Evidence can be annexed.
We strongly believe that Hon Mathias Umeh’s refusal to print the statement of Account details he released to the beneficiaries for payment before /on getting the slots is deliberate ploy to hide the actual number of people that made payment for buying the NG care slots.
We moreover, believe that printing of the Account details for the period under investigation will give accurate no of people that bought and made payments for the hawked and sold NG-Care Grant.
CONCLUSION /RECOMMENDATION
The council unanimously condemned hawking and selling of the NG-Care Grant by Hon. Mathias Umeh.
Hon. Mathias Umeh should forthwith return the proceeds of the sales of NG-care Grant to Abia State Government.
Abia State Government / any other body/ relevant security Agencies can carry on more investigations where the statement of accounts can be printed for the period under review February 2023-May 2024)
The labour Party Umunneochi L.G.A should investigate both Hon. Mathias Umeh and Dr. Oluebube Chukwu on the 50 slots of NG-Care they collected on trust from Abia State Government for Umunneochi LGA in 2023.
Both Hon Mathias Umeh and Dr. Oluebube Chukwu were reminded/reprimanded that they are products of Labour Party at Abia State House of Assembly and Government respectively. Hence should not be using proceeds thereof in sponsoring and empowering opposition parties.
Thanks.
Perpro: Umunneochi Transitional Councilors
Hon. Samuel Ekperedike Chukwu
Leader of Council
Attached is for Signatories
Cc:
Mayor, Umunneochi Local Govt. Area Council
The Speaker,
Abia State House of Assembly,
Umuahia Abia State.
The Labour Party Chairman,
Umunneochi LGA ATTN! Hon. Monday Onyebueke
