A political commentator identified as Don Torch has made a series of allegations against members of the immediate past administration in Abia State, accusing them of contributing to the alleged failures of the government and mismanagement of public resources.
In a statement circulating publicly, Don Torch claimed that most members of the former cabinet, with the exception of Dr. Ngozi Ogbonna, were responsible for what he described as shortcomings in the previous administration.
He further alleged that several former government officials accumulated substantial wealth and properties during their time in office, including houses and lands in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja and outside Nigeria.
The commentator specifically mentioned former Abia State Commissioner for Finance, Obinna Oriaku, whom he identified as one of the cabinet members of the administration under review.
According to Don Torch, Oriaku’s position as Commissioner for Finance placed him among those allegedly responsible for decisions that affected the administration’s performance.
The statement went further, making serious allegations of financial misconduct against the former commissioner, including claims that he acquired significant wealth and assets through access to public funds.
Don Torch also alleged that the previous administration left behind arrears of salaries, pensions and gratuities owed to workers and retirees, which he linked to what he described as financial mismanagement under the government.
However, the allegations remain claims made by Don Torch and have not, in the statement provided, been supported with documentary evidence or a court judgment establishing that Oriaku or any other former official stole public funds.
The former commissioner has also not been quoted in the statement as responding to the allegations.
The claims are therefore likely to generate further reactions, particularly concerning the financial management of Abia State under the previous administration and the accountability of former public officials.
Any definitive conclusion regarding allegations of theft or diversion of public funds would require supporting evidence and, where applicable, findings by the relevant investigative or judicial authorities.
