Igbo Speaking Community Leaders Reject Financial Mismanagement Claims, Vow Full Transparency
Igbo Speaking Community Leaders Reject Financial Mismanagement Claims, Vow Full Transparency
By Naomi Onome
Leaders of the Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos have come forward to address recent allegations of financial misappropriation within the association, describing the claims as baseless and misleading. In a detailed clarification, top officials of the community provided an overview of how finances are managed and dispelled rumours circulating online.
Prince Josiah Nnana Kalu, Secretary General of the Igbo-Speaking Community, explained that prior to the inauguration of the current leadership on September 14, a separate committee was responsible for handling finances. “The committee that handled the inauguration has not submitted any report as of today,” Kalu said. “Since the beginning of this year, my office, along with the financial secretary and treasurer, has been responsible for all financial matters.”
He emphasised that his role as secretary general involves maintaining records, while the financial secretary and treasurer manage financial transactions. “All money goes to the treasurer’s account,” he said, noting that the account structure is provisional due to the merger of previous accounts and ongoing formalisation.
Kalu dismissed claims of misappropriation as rumours spread by idle individuals. “If someone does not understand what is happening, that person can ask questions rather than spread baseless rumours,” he stated. He further cited recent fundraising activities, including three wake-keep events in one week, as examples of transparency, affirming that accounts are available for verification by any interested party.
Supporting Kalu’s account, Sir Eric Okechukwu Nwafor, Chief Security Officer of the Igbo-Speaking Community, also dismissed allegations regarding the President General’s involvement in financial management. “Even the President General doesn’t touch money,” Nwafor said. “We have a designated desk for the financial secretary, treasurer, and assistant financial secretary, where all funds are collected and recorded. The President General only receives updates during meetings when the accountable officers render their reports.”
Mrs Uju Stella, the treasurer of Igbo Speaking Community Lagos, also addressed claims that the president general and his deputy had allegedly taken over the association’s finances. “That is a lie from the pit of hell,” she said. “The Finance Department, including the Treasurer and Financial Secretary, continues to manage all accounts responsibly. The president general has never requested direct control of any funds. The secretary general and finance department work together to ensure proper accountability.”
The leadership stressed that any circulating reports suggesting otherwise constitute “fake news” and urged community members to consult official channels for accurate information.
The statement collectively affirms the association’s commitment to transparency and accountability in financial matters, reinforcing that proper checks and balances remain in place.
