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The Anambra State Government has distanced itself from the recent arrest of Franklin Nwadialo, the Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government, who was apprehended by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Texas, United States, for allegedly orchestrating a $3.3 million romance scam.
In a statement released on Saturday, Dr Law Mefor, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, clarified that Nwadialo is not an appointee of Governor Chukwuma Soludo but was elected by the people of Ogbaru and represented the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
“He was chosen by his people and the political party he belongs to. He’s not an appointee of Soludo, therefore I cannot speak for his conduct,” Mefor stated. “Those who elected him should answer such questions whether the offence is true or not because I only speak for the state government.”
Nwadialo’s arrest has raised significant concerns, as he could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted in the U.S. court. The alleged crime has sparked discussions about the integrity of public officeholders and the responsibility of local communities in electing their leaders.
The Anambra State Government emphasized that it would not comment on the validity of the allegations, reiterating that the situation is under the jurisdiction of those who elected him and the relevant authorities.
But when contacted on Saturday, the Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs, Tonycollins Nwabunwanne, said the state government had commenced an investigation to ascertain the true position of the fraud case.
“We just saw it online. But we are still investigating and making efforts to find out its true position before taking our stand,” he said.
Also, a ranking member of the state House of Assembly, anonymously said, “I think his Deputy will be sworn in based on the constitution. That is all I will say for now till we get the official response from the US authorities.”
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