Fresh indications have emerged on the real reasons why Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state has directed the immediate suspension of his Chief of Staff, Dr. Anthony Agbazuere from office.
The suspension is suspected to be connected with a recent video that has gone viral, where Agbazuere was seen spraying cash on the controversial Onitsha based clergyman, Prophet Chukwuemeka Odumeje, popularly known as Indaboski, and the fall out of that action.
The CoS stands the risk of being prosecuted for contravening section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Act, which criminalizes the spraying of naira notes, especially at a public event.
He also stands the risk of being jailed as the penalty of spraying money includes Six (6) months of imprisonment or a fine of not less than 50,000 or even both.
Recall that Governor Ikpeazu had in a press statement which was issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Chris Ezem, through a tweet post on the state government’s official Twitter handle on Sunday, December 6, 2020, announced the suspension of the CoS.
The tweet post from Ezem reads, “Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has directed the immediate suspension from office of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. ACB Agbazuere. Thank you.’’
According to media reports, the governor ordered the Permanent Secretary, Government House, Alozie Odoemelam, to take over the duties of the office of Chief of Staff until further notice.
Although the date the video was shot is unknown, it appears the incident seems to have been in Agbazuere’s office where the suspended aide was dancing.
This display by the top government aide in Abia state reinforces the age-long narrative on the recklessness of senior government officials who have the responsibility of managing public funds.
