The Anambra State Government has addressed the recent arrest of Ogbaru Local Government Chairman, Franklin Nwadialo, who is accused of involvement in an internet scam, commonly known as Yahoo.
In a statement, the state government clarified that it cannot comment on the internet romance scam allegations against Nwadialo, who was apprehended by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Nwadialo was reportedly arrested in Texas, USA, over his alleged involvement in a $3.3 million romance scam. If convicted, he faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Speaking with The Nation on Saturday, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Dr. Law Mefor, emphasized that Nwadialo is an elected official, not an appointee of Governor Chukwuma Soludo. He highlighted that Nwadialo was elected by the people of Ogbaru and represents the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Mefor further noted that local governments operate autonomously and that his role is to represent the state government, not the local councils.
“He was chosen by his constituents and his political party. He is not an appointee of Governor Soludo, so I cannot comment on his conduct. Those who elected him should be the ones to respond to these allegations, as I only speak on matters concerning the state government. Local government autonomy is in place now,” Mefor was quoted as saying by The Nation.
