Pastor accuses A'Ibom Works Commissioner of stealing N200 million ‘Xmas money’ meant for Civil Servants

Mr Ephraim Inyang, Works Commissioner, Akwa Ibom State

By Betty Ukoren

A pastor in Akwa Ibom state, Mr Nsikanabasi Ese, has accused the Commissioner of Works in the state, Mr Ephraim Inyang, of stealing N200 million belonging to civil servants in the state ministry of works. (Read more after the cut)

Pastor Ese, who is the founder and leader of a popular church, Kairos Rhema Embassy, in Uyo, made the allegation in a message he circulated on Saturday in a WhatsApp group called TELL NAIJA.COM.NG.

Pastor Nsikanabasi Ese of Kairos Rhema Embassy, Uyo

“Based on my investigation, I’ve been reliably told that the state Government gives out a Christmas bonus of almost 200 Million Naira for ministry of work to be shared amongst the 600 employees and for the past 3 years, this money has not been shared to the workers,” Mr Ese posted in the group, using his phone number 0806-447-5606. 

Screenshots of the pastor's post (check out his phone number at the top of the post)

“Mr Ephraim Inyang, are you going to share this money with your 600 employees this year?” the pastor asked.

The works commissioner, Mr Ephraim Inyang, belongs to the WhatsApp group which has about 254 members.

The Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Udoh, and the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Akan Okon are among the government officials in the state who are also members of the group.

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Paul Ekpo, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP in the State, Comrade Ini Ememobong, and the Senator representing Uyo Senatorial District, Obong Bassey Albert, are also members of the WhatsApp group, as well as several other politicians and journalists in the state

Pastor Nsikanabasi Ese also accused Hon Ephraim Inyang of “arrogantly” driving around in a convoy that even his boss, Governor Udom Emmanuel, cannot afford.

“Inside Mr. Ephraim Inyang’s convoy of 65 cars are: 36 Mobile Police Officers, 15 DSS Officers, 2 Brand New Bulletproof Toyota Landcruiser, 1 Brand New Bulletproof Lexus LX570, 1 2018 Mercedes Benz S550, 6 Brand New Toyota Prado, 8 Brand New Toyota Hilux, including the 3 Brand New Hilux that we meant for project supervision, 6 Brand New Buses for Supervisors and for the Bloggers and Aides, and Many other Vehicles,” he said.

“Why is it so difficult for this Commissioner to pay compensations to affected properties marked for demolition?

“Are we aware that the arrogant behaviors of this Commissioner has caused the present Government a fortune?

“Does this Commissioner have the political capacity to deliver his Governor (his party) come 2019?” the pastor said.

The commissioner, Mr Ephraim Inyang, is yet to react to the allegations against him at the time of writing this report.