Again, Obio-Akpor Sole Administrator Under Fire Over ₦300m Corruption Scandal, Bribery, Intimidation Allegations

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, Dr. Clifford Ndu Walter, is once again at the center of controversy as new allegations emerge, deepening the storm of corruption claims surrounding his administration.

Fresh reports suggest that Dr. Walter attempted to bribe key council officials in a desperate bid to suppress whistleblowers exposing alleged large-scale financial misconduct. This development comes on the heels of earlier accusations involving the misappropriation of over ₦300 million in public funds — a scandal that has drawn outrage from civil society groups and residents alike.

Leaked internal memos and testimonies from insider sources point to a sophisticated laundering scheme allegedly operated through Dr. Walter’s brother-in-law, Mr. Christopher Obi. One focal point of the investigation is a First Bank account (2011345135), reportedly in Obi’s name, through which substantial public funds were allegedly funneled.

According to multiple sources within the council, several memos signed by Dr. Walter show repeated unauthorized withdrawals and questionable transfers from official accounts. These actions have sparked the mobilization of a coalition of concerned stakeholders across all 17 wards in Obio/Akpor LGA. The coalition has pledged to formally petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for a thorough investigation.

The controversy has escalated further with fresh claims of witness intimidation and bribery. Council insiders allege that Dr. Walter recently attempted to silence senior civil servants threatening to expose additional irregularities. Notably, Mrs. Tamunoimama Wosely, Director of Administration and Head of Personnel Management at the council, is said to have received a ₦100 million payment into a Guaranty Trust Bank account (0473308833), allegedly as a “hush bribe” to prevent further disclosures.

This deepening scandal emerges at a delicate moment in Rivers State politics, as reconciliation efforts continue between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike. Amid ongoing negotiations to restore political stability, Governor Fubara recently assured citizens that the state’s Executive and Legislative arms would soon return to full function, while praising President Bola Tinubu’s intervention during the recent crisis.

Despite these broader moves toward unity, the corruption allegations at the local government level threaten to erode public confidence. Attempts to reach Dr. Walter, Mr. Obi, and Mrs. Wosely for comment have so far been unsuccessful.

A member of the stakeholder coalition, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated:

> “We will not allow the looting of Obio/Akpor’s resources to be swept under the rug. These funds belong to the people. The EFCC and ICPC must take immediate action.”

The growing uproar has reignited calls for democratic reforms at the grassroots level, with critics demanding a return to elected local government leadership as a means to enhance accountability and transparency.

As pressure mounts on anti-corruption agencies to investigate both the alleged financial misappropriation and claims of bribery and witness suppression, the people of Obio/Akpor — and indeed all Nigerians — wait anxiously for truth, justice, and a restoration of trust in governance.

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