The immediate past Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, David Omereji, has vehemently denied allegations of borrowing N6 billion from any financial institution during his tenure in office.

Omereji, who was among the LGA chairmen recently removed from office following the Supreme Court's nullification of the October 5, 2024, local government elections in Rivers State, has been facing demands for accountability from stakeholders in the area over the alleged loan.

Some concerned citizens from Emohua LGA have reportedly petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and called on the newly appointed Sole Administrator, Franklin Ajunwo, to terminate ongoing contracts in the area.

Following a meeting between stakeholders and the LGA Sole Administrator, it emerged that two contractors—Acu Engineering Electrification Nigeria Limited and Rasovenik Nigeria Limited—had secured court orders restraining the council from interfering with their contracts for electrification and road construction projects respectively.

Former Media Aide Clarifies Financial Arrangements

Responding to the allegations, Chizy Enyi, former media officer to Omereji and current President-General of the Initiative for Transparent Strategy and Good Leadership, dismissed the claims as "a lie from the pit of hell."

In a detailed statement, Enyi explained that the council had entered into legitimate contracts with the two companies for critical infrastructure projects. According to him, the council signed an agreement with Acu Engineering for electricity restoration across the LGA at a cost of N1.9 billion, of which N750 million had already been paid.

Similarly, a contract valued at N1.85 billion was awarded to Rasovenik Nigeria Ltd for the construction of Ogbakiri and Ndele roads, with N500 million already disbursed.

"An agreement was signed with both contractors through a memorandum of understanding, backed by a Financial and General Purpose Committee F and GPC approved Instrument of Standing Payment Order ISPO valued at N2.5 billion as a guarantee for the outstanding balance, to be paid monthly at N250 million," Enyi clarified.

He further explained that the payment arrangement allocated N100 million monthly to Acu Engineering and N150 million to Rasovenik, with a current outstanding balance of N1.8 billion for all contracts.

Projects Properly Approved and Documented

Enyi emphasized that the capital projects were duly approved by the Bureau of Public Procurement, which issued certificates of no objection and conducted inspections that confirmed satisfactory progress. He stated that all relevant documents are available for public scrutiny.

"It is a known fact that Emohua Local Government Area cannot borrow money without authorization from the Rivers State Government," Enyi asserted, challenging critics to produce evidence of such authorization.

The former media aide issued a seven-day ultimatum to those making the allegations to provide documentary evidence from any bank proving that Omereji's administration borrowed money, or to issue a public apology.

"The public should please disregard the rumour that Chief David Omereji borrowed N6 billion. Such a claim was never made or contemplated by him and has no basis in fact," Enyi concluded, urging critics to instead acknowledge the former chairman's achievement of executing over 20 projects during his brief tenure.