Imo APC refutes alleged salary scam, infighting

Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has refuted a report in some conventional and social media (CrudePen not included), alleging that some members of staff of the party fought over salary-related issues.

Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has refuted a report in some conventional and social media (The Guardian not included), alleging that some members of staff of the party fought over salary-related issues.

The rebuttal was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Cajetan Duke, who also denied any scandal involving the state Governor, Hope Uzodimma, and other party officials.

In the statement, titled “Salary scandal: Imo APC staff fight dirty over diversion of July, August wages, indict party treasurer, Ebere and Uzodinma -a rebuttal,” the party dismissed the story, saying: “The attention of the State Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress Imo State has been drawn to a mischievous story circulating in various print and social media platforms on the subject matter above referred.

“We, however, want to emphatically state that the said fake and fabricated story regarding imagined salary scandal and altercation at the Imo APC secretariat is entirely fictitious, a figment of the writer’s imagination and has no basis in reality.

“There is no iota of truth in the alleged claims of diversion of salaries or funds of any kind, or any squabble among our staff.”

It said the party holds the journalism profession and true professionals in high esteem places a high premium on integrity, accountability and transparency.
According to the party, the welfare of its employees, including timely payment of salaries, was sacrosanct, warning against any form of baseless, malicious rumour capable of tarnishing its reputation.

The statement urged the public to always verify the authenticity and reliability of stories to guard against falsehood.

It added: “What we found most ridiculous is the dragging of the name of His Excellency, Hope Uzodimma, into the internal administrative processes of the party. If it is not mischievously intended to discredit the person and character of the governor, our amiable state chairman and our party, we wonder what else it could be.

“Let it be known that Imo APC, under the leadership of Hon. McDonald Ebere, remains committed to upholding the principles of honesty and accountability in all its operations. Any allegations to the contrary are unfounded and should be treated as such.

“We insist on responsible, intelligent and professional journalism practice with accurate reporting as bedrock and such will not only attract the trust of the society but also promote peace and development.”