Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for corruption, warning that any official caught engaging in bribery or fraudulent practices would be dismissed immediately.

The governor issued the stern warning on Saturday during a worship service at the Abayi District of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Aba Conference. His remarks come less than two weeks after six officials of the Ministry of Justice were sacked over allegations of salary padding.

“My participation in Abia politics is to restore the dignity of our state, in line with the honesty the Igbo people are known for,” Otti said.

He cautioned residents against giving money to anyone claiming to facilitate government services, insisting that such demands were fraudulent.

“If anybody tells you to bring money for anything, tell him it is a lie. He is a dupe because he will collect the money from you and still not do anything for you. That is why you will never see bribery and corruption in this government. If you get involved, I will fire you,” the governor declared.

Governor Otti further emphasized that no one found guilty of corruption would be shielded or spared, adding, “We are intolerant of corruption and nobody can plead for you. If you get involved in bribery and corruption, you are gone.”

Highlighting his administration’s commitment to transparency, Otti pointed to the recent recruitment of 5,394 teachers in the state, stressing that the process was merit-based and free from bribery or unofficial payments.