EFCC Qestions Former Enugu Governor Chime over N450M Received From Diezani

EFCC Qestions Former Enugu Governor Chime over N450M Received From Diezani

The immediate past governor of Enugu State has been named in the widening investigations of the alleged $115 million election bribe shared by the former minister of petroleum, Diezani Allison Madueke.

The Punch reported that Chime was questioned at the Enugu zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday over the allegation that he received N450 million from the money disbursed by the Alison-Madueke during the build up to the 2015 general election.

Sources in the EFCC told the paper that the former governor told his interrogators that he gave the money to the Secretary of the campaign office, Mrs. Rita Mba, who was also the state’s Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Government Affairs.

“According to Chime, the money was brought by two of his former commissioners, Joe Nnamnele and Mrs Rita Mba, in company with the Chairman of the PDP, Enugu State, Ikeji Asogwa, and Prof. Osita Ogbu.

“He further stated that he gave the money to his orderly for safe keep and that only Rita Mba should have access to it to facilitate her work as secretary of the campaign secretariat. He denied personally disbursing the funds,” the source added.

According to the source, Chime was told to report on Monday June 13, 2016 for further questioning.

The former Enugu State governor is the second governor in the South-East to be grilled by the EFCC in connection with the Diezani bribe case. Former Imo State governor, Achike Udenwa was also quizzed in connection to the alleged slush fund.

Other South Eastern politicians that have been questioned for their role in the alleged bribery are  Senator Chris Anyanwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ahamba; and a former Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo, for their alleged role in the handling of N700m from the Diezani fund.