Dasukigate: EFCC Seals Off Gov Umahi’s Properties

Anti-graft agency’s action absurd –Ally

From Emmanuel Uzor, Abakaliki

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday, sealed off properties belonging to Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi in Abakaliki and other parts of the state.

Daily Sun gathered that EFCC’s action might be connected to an alleged diversion of N400 million arms deal into private pockets during the 2015 presidential election.

Governor Umahi’s property sealed by the anti-graft agency were a five-star hotel, Orsbon La Palm Hotel located at Mile 50, Abakaliki and petrol stations, Brass Filling stations along Ogoja and Afikpo Roads, within the state capital.

EFCC placed an “under investigation” sign on the property while business activities were also seen still going on in the premises.

Last week, the governor was named alongside former governor of Enugu State, Mr. Sullivan Chime, among those who allegedly took part in the diversion of N400 million campaign funds  allegedly meant for arms purchase from the office of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col Sambo Dasuki (retd).

Also, there were normal business activities at the sealed filling stations while the hotel was still operating despite the seal off sign pasted on it.

Meanwhile, all attempts to get the reaction of Umahi’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Emma Anya, were unsuccessful.

Anya said he could not speak to Daily Sun because he was in the Executive Council chambers for an Executive Council meeting.

But, a governor’s close ally who declined to be named, said EFCC’s action “amounts to nothing since the governor  resigned his headship of all his business empire since assumption of office as deputy governor in 2011.

“It makes no meaning that the EFCC could paste information on the properties they felt belonged to our governor.

“He resigned as head of the business empire since he was elected deputy governor in 2011 and EFCC’s action amounts to nothing because it is preposterous to say they are investigating Umahi’s property.”

Few months ago, the anti-graft agency arrested the governor’s younger brother, Austin, over his involvement with the N400 million campaign funds for Ebonyi in the last general elections.

When contacted, EFCC’s Enugu zonal office referred Daily Sun to their Abuja office but the commission’s spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren’s telephone lines were switched off.