Nigerians are calling on Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to impose strong sanctions against his chief of staff who was seen spraying money on a controversial preacher in the Southeast.

Anthony Agbazuere appeared to have invited cameramen when he received Chukwuemeka Odumeje at his office in Umuahia, the Abia State capital. The short clip showed the senior administration official spraying fresh banknotes on his visitor. 

The clip also showed Mr. Agbazuere received wads of new notes from an apparent aide for onward spraying on Mr. Odumeje. It was unclear when the incident occurred, but its emergence on social media has driven outrage with Nigerians demanding a stringent response from the governor.

Apart from the controversial spraying of cash in violation of CBN regulations on handling of national currency, the public anger against Mr. Agbazuere’s action hinged largely on his the insensitivity of his action — lavishing public funds on a wealthy pastor in a state racked by poverty and insecurity.

Abia information commissioner John Kalu said the administration would rather focus on improving the state’s infrastructure than comment on the chief of staff’s recklessness.

“Our focus is on the need to maximise the current dry season window to execute as many road projects as possible,” Mr. Kalu said. “We are currently mobilising contractors to ensure that key road projects are concluded satisfactorily across the state.”