BY ANAYO OKOLI

UMUAHIA — ABIA State government has inaugurated a seven -man judicial panel to look into the activities of Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, ASUBEB, since inception till December 2012.

Inaugurating the panel which has Justice Kenneth Nwosu as chairman, Governor Theodore Orji insisted that the panel was set up due to pressures from the people.

He explained that the panel was self-motivated as it would also probe part of his own administration, adding that that the panel was not for witch-hunting.

He said if he refused to accede to the request of the people who elected him, it would seem as though he was covering up something.

Urging the panel to do a thorough job, the governor promised to implement the report once the white paper was out.

According to him, “we are not witch-hunting people; I am doing what people want me to do”.

Orji outlined the terms of reference of the panel to include ascertaining the total sum of money received by ASUBEB since inception till December 31, 2012; identify the projects executed from inception, the costs and extent of work done on them.

The panel was also charged with the responsibility of determining if the funds to the board within the period were properly managed.

It will also identify all the assets of ASUBEB, their location and if there was mismanagement, to find out those involved.

“You can see that the span covers this administration,” the governor said and urged the panel to do a good work, be free and fair without fear or favour.

Responding on behalf of the members, Justice Nwosu assured that the panel would do its best and be fair and firm in the course of its job.

“We have noted the seriousness which your government and the people of Abia state have place on the responsibility of the panel.

“We will do our best. We will be fair and firm to all persons who will appear before the panel. We will do our work with dispatch”, Justice Nwosu assured.