The World Bank is preparing to shut down its project in Ebnoyi State due to corruption and mismanagement of funds by Governor David Umahi.
This information was revealed by the secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.
In a letter dated August 31, 2022, Boss Mustapha informed Governor Umahi that the World Bank was making a move to shut down its project implementation agencies in Ebonyi State over funds mismanagement.
The Nigerian Government wrote to the Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, accusing him of stealing the Covid-19 relief funds donated by the World Bank for alleviation of the effects of Covid-19 pandemic on the people of the state.
According to the letter, the Nigerian government referred to a report from the World Bank, which detailed its plans.
The decision to shut down its project implementation agencies in the state was taken, following allegations such as the non-payment of counterpart funds and failure to start a COVID-19 alleviation scheme, amongst others.
In the letter, Boss Mustapha wrote: “I am to convey the modest compliments of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and have the honour to draw your Excellency’s attention to a report which revealed plans by the World Bank’s project implementation agencies to shut down their offices in Ebonyi State.
“The decision is sequel to the alleged non-payment of counterpart funds, as well as misappropriation of funds of donor agencies by officials assigned by the state government, amongst other sundry reasons,” the letter read.
The letter which was received on September 1 was signed by a director at the SGF’s office, David Attah.
It was revealed that the World Bank agencies to be shut down include the Ebonyi State Community-Based Social Development Agency (EB-CSDA), FADAMA, NG CARES and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The letter also disclosed that Mr Umahi’s government owes EB-CSDA, FADAMA, and MSMEs beneficiaries over 12 months of arrears of salaries dating to July 2021.
According to the letter, the federal government’s NG-CARES Programme, funded by the World Bank was created to alleviate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on citizens.
The letter pointed out that the programme had yet to begin in Ebonyi state despite the release of the first tranche of $3 million in February by the World Bank.
Also, It was revealed that Governor Umahi’s government owes EB-CSDA, FADAMA, and MSMEs beneficiaries over 12 months of arrears of salaries dating to July 2021.
