A former aide to the ex-Chairman of Omuma Local Government Area, Samuel Answer, has written an open letter levelling serious allegations of fraud, mismanagement and deception against his former principal, Reginald Promise.
In the letter titled “Open Letter to Promise Reginald,” Answer accused the former council boss of squandering public funds and failing to deliver meaningful development projects during his nearly two-year tenure.
Answer claimed that Promise, who he said was appointed caretaker chairman at the age of 32, failed to justify the confidence reposed in him. He alleged that despite receiving substantial allocations, there was little evidence of tangible projects in Omuma LGA, apart from what he described as “unnecessary noise” and an elaborate convoy.
One of the major allegations raised in the letter concerns the purported purchase of vehicles for councillors. Answer alleged that the former chairman publicly presented 10 vehicles to councillors and the secretary of the council, but claimed the vehicles were never fully paid for.
According to him, eight of the vehicles were later retrieved by the car dealer, while the remaining two were allegedly acquired by individuals through separate hire-purchase arrangements.
The former aide further accused Promise of favouritism in local government job recruitment and empowerment initiatives, alleging that benefits were distributed mainly to close associates, including family members and friends.
Answer also questioned the former chairman’s developmental record, challenging him to name projects executed or individuals empowered with what he described as “billions” received by the council. He compared Promise’s tenure with other political figures, alleging that others had completed projects within shorter timeframes.
Describing his former boss as “fraudulent” and “a blackmailer,” Answer said he decided to speak out because of his love for Omuma and his desire for accountability. He added that he had severed ties with Promise and vowed not to associate with him again.
Efforts to reach Reginald Promise for comments on the allegations were not immediately successful as of press time.
