Abia: AG Under Pressure As Group Pushes For Sack

The Accountant General of Abia State, Mrs. Njum Uma-Onyemanam is under intense pressure as the civic group, under the umbrella of the United Front for a New Abia (UFNA), is pushing for her immediate sack, accusing her of fueling discontent and creating unnecessary hostility against the administration of Governor Alex Otti.

The group in a press release on Tuesday, alleged that the Accountant General’s disposition has consistently strained the relationship between the government and stakeholders, especially, civil servants and the press which it said is weakening public trust in the Governor Otti’s administration.

The group further alleged that the Accountant General unnecessarily delays or withholds approvals by the Governor, a development is frowned at, describing it as troubling and counterproductive. It also claimed that Mrs. Uma-Onyemanam’s actions have not only undermined internal government processes but have also projected the government in a bad light before the public.

“Her actions are gradually positioning the government against the people it should be working with. Civil servants are aggrieved, the media is frustrated, and the general public is beginning to lose confidence — all because of the conduct of one office”.

“There are growing concerns that directives and approvals from the Governor are not being implemented as expected. This raises serious questions about accountability and coordination within the system,” the statement added.

UFNA also expressed concern over what it described as a growing perception of arrogance and lack of accountability within the office of the Accountant General, warning that such an image could damage the credibility of the present administration.

“When a public official begins to act in a manner that suggests immunity from oversight, it sends the wrong signal and creates avoidable tension within and outside government circles,” the group noted.

Speaking on behalf of the group, its Secretary, Senior Comrade Chukwudi Ifeanyi, stressed that urgent action is required to prevent further deterioration of trust between the government and the people.

“This is not a personal attack; it is a call for corrective action. The government must be seen to be responsive and decisive, especially when issues like this begin to affect its relationship with critical stakeholders,” he said.

The group warned that failure to address the situation promptly could escalate dissatisfaction and further complicate the administration’s engagement with the public.