By  GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE
BENIN—THE Concerned Citizens of Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State has appealed to the leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, not to sweep under the carpet, its recent petition against the chairman of Ovia South West Local Government, Mr.  Jonathan Igbinomwanhia.

In a statement in Benin yesterday, the group said that their plea was predicated on the utterances of some principal officers of the local government  following their arrest by officials of the anti-graft commission

It alleged that the council officials had boasted that the EFCC has “a price” and so the petition would have no effect on them.

The group said it was keeping a close watch on the issue and warned that any attempt to undermine the petition will be resisted with vigour.

The Concerned Citizens of Ovia South West had in a petition to the chairman of the anti-graft commission, alleged that the council chairman had embarked on a diabolic mission of publishing fictitious claims of non– existent projects.

They also alleged that there have been proofs of brazen financial recklessness and diversion of council funds into private pockets.

They also accused top civil servants in the council of aiding and abetting corruption by political office holders in Ovia South West Local Government Council.

The group called on the EFCC and the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to investigate their petition and ensure that the people of Ovia South West Local Government Area were not short changed by any individual or group of persons, no matter how highly placed.