BY TONY OKAFOR
The recent arrest of Franklin Nwadialo, Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area, by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States has raised fundamental questions about our recruitment system and the integrity of public officials.
It is imperative that Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, provides clarity on this matter, which has cast a dark shadow on the integrity of his administration.
The allegations against Nwadialo are grave – a $3.3 million romance scam that has brought international shame to our state.
However, what is even more disturbing is the deafening silence from the Soludo administration on this issue.
For over three months, the people of Anambra State have been left in the dark, wondering what actions, if any, the government has taken to address this issue.
This silence is not only unacceptable but also fuels speculation and undermines trust in government.
As the chief executive of Anambra State, it is the governor’s duty to ensure that public officials are held accountable for their actions or inactions, especially when those officials are products of his own political party.
The Anambra State government cannot claim indifference to Mr. Nwadialo’s arrest in the US because the governor has a responsibility to ensure accountability among public officials, regardless of their appointment process.
It is the governor’s duty to ensure the safety, protection, and security of all citizens.
The people of Anambra State deserve to know whether Nwadialo is still receiving his salaries and allowances while being absent from his duties.
If so, this would constitute a gross mismanagement of public funds and a betrayal of the trust placed in him.
We urge Governor Soludo to break his silence on this matter.
We expect a comprehensive statement from his office, detailing the actions taken so far and the measures being put in place to prevent similar incidents.
The integrity of the Soludo administration and the trust of the people are at stake. It is time to talk.
Silence means acquiescence.
