FG Removes Acting Accountant-General Anamekwe Over Alleged Corruption

• Begins Search For Substantive Accountant-General

Mr. Chukwuyere N. Anamekwe who was recently appointed as the acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), has been relieved of his position.

It was gathered that the Federal government had directed that Anamekwe be replaced with Mr. Okolieaboh Ezeoke Sylvis, a former TSA (Treasury Single Account) Director in acting capacity.

According to a report by the Nation, Anamekwe’s replacement followed allegations that he was being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

It was also gathered that the government was not comfortable with his revelation that it was borrowing to pay salaries.

It would be recalled that Anamekwe was appointed acting AGF on May 22, following the suspension of former Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, after he was arrested by the EFCC over an alleged fraud of N80 billion.

It was learnt the replaced AGF had corruption allegations against him including alleged overpayment to himself in previous government agencies he served.

It was further alleged that some of the properties he acquired fraudulently had been recovered by the anti-corruption agencies.

One of his financial crimes was allegedly committed while he was the Director of Finance and Accounts (DFA) at the Ministry of Defence.

He was also allegedly involved in other fraudulent activities and used the Government Integrated Financial Management System (GIFMIS) to steal the salaries of federal government staff.

Also, shortly after his appointment, Anamekwe was said to have made a controversial remark on government borrowing to pay salaries on June 14. He was replaced seven days after.

A source who spoke with The Nation disclosed that the Federal Government has already begun search for a substantial AG.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs. Folasade Yemi-Esan has issued a circular to that effect.

In a memo titled: “Commencement of the process of appointment of a substantive Accountant-General of the Federation”, the HoCSF directed permanent secretaries to forward details of eligible directors on Grade 17 to her on or before 4:00 pm on Wednesday July 6, 2022.

The memo stated the qualification of level 17 officers qualified for the position.

There are” “Those who have attained the position of Substantive Director (Grade 17) on or before January 1, 2020 and are not retiring from the service earlier than December 31, 2024 are eligible to participate in the selection process while officers undergoing disciplinary proceedings are excluded.”

Attempts to get senior government officials to clarify the allegation of borrowing to pay salaries were unsuccessful.