Ebonyi Govt, APGA Differ On Alleged N7.8bn Rigging Funds

The leadership of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Ebonyi State Government yesterday differed over the alleged plot by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to rig the governorship and State House of Assembly elections in the state.

In a statement signed by the director, media and publicity, APGA Campaign Council, Mr Charles Otu, the party said it has uncovered a grand plot by the APC to transfer the total sum of N7.8billion from one of the state government’s accounts to compromise the electoral integrity of the polls.

He maintained that the sum is for immediate disbursement to underlisted persons and agencies involved in the election and called on the Presidency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other relevant agencies to investigate the allegation.

“As the clock ticks faster for Saturday’s governorship and state house of assembly elections, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA have uncovered a grand plot by the APC to transfer the sum of N7.8 billion to compromise the electoral integrity.

“The sum is to be distributed in agreed sums to the electoral body, security agencies who will be involved in election duties and the returning officers for the election in various local government areas.

“The disbursement will come in the form of an empowerment scheme’ through the 13 Local Government Councils to INEC, Police and the Nigerian Military officers on election duty, including all those who have been pin-pointed to have a role to play in the election process.”

But in a swift reaction, the special assistant to the governor, Chief Chooks Okoh, described the allegation as false, unfounded and the figment of the imagination of the party.

Chief Okoh said that APGA has boxed itself to a clannish corner and that it was only the guilty that should be afraid.

“The problem with the party called APGA is that it is always overrating its relevance among political parties in the state. Why would anyone waste his time plotting against a party that has boxed itself to a clannish corner?” he said.