The Abia House of Assembly Committee on Anti-Corruption and Public Accounts says it will meet with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-graft agencies over petitions against government officials working in Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s administration.

This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the chairman of the committee, Obinna Ichita.

Mr Ichita is one of nine legislators suspended by the speaker, Chinedum Orji, and eight other members.

Sixteen of the 24-member house had met Tuesday at a guest house in Umuahia, where they announced the removal of Mr Orji.

They accused him of gross misconduct and impudence.

In a swift reaction, the purportedly impeached speaker convened a plenary session a few hours later with eight members in attendance and suspended the lawmakers.

The Ichita-led committee gave assurance that it would consider the “plethora of petitions” concerning the auditor general’s report and financial statement of accounts of the state government.

The committee further stated that it hoped to discharge the duty speedily within 14 days.

According to the statement, the head of service and all accounting officers of the concerned ministries, departments and agencies will be given further information regarding their various dates and times of appearance before the committee.

“The committee is expected to submit the report of its findings at the plenary session of the house,” the statement added.

(NAN)