Mbella Moki to be probed for embezzlement of over 100m FCfa

On-going investigations into the finances of Buea municipality are indicting former Mayor and Senator Mbella Moki Charles of possible embezzlement to the tune of well over 100 million FCFA from the municipality’s treasury when he served as its mayor.

A team of auditors are currently trying to establish the where an amount of about 102million FCFA owed the taxation department by the former council executive led by Mbella Moki.

The amount in question according to the current mayor of Buea, Patrick Ekema Esunge, was money deducted from the salaries of council staff between the years 2002 to 2013 meant to be paid into the National Social Insurance Fund – the money was never paid.

Ekema told reporters at a news conference held at the council last Thursday October 16 that in all, close to 200million debt was inherited by the current council executive owed several institutions.

He disclosed that they inherited CFA 47million debt from the Mbella Moki led administration owed to the hygiene and sanitation company HYSACAM alone. He observed that they have so far been able to pay back 9million of that amount.

Concerning the Build, Operate and Transfer BOT, projects initiated by the former management of the council around mile 17 and Clerks Quarters, Ekema revealed that the law on BOT was never respected in projects.

“We don’t have a single document indicating the owners of the structures constructed through the BOT agreement. Moreover, the duration period of 30years for the structure to be handed to the council is even not normal” he said.

Reacting to criticisms that Mbella Moki constructed a befitting council building for the municipality and yet was never offered office space there as Fako senator, the Mayor reacted swiftly that “nobody constructed any building for the council.”

FEICOM, he said, “funded the construction of this building and the funds that came as loans to the council are still being paid by the council. We are still paying money to FEICOM for this structure,” he claimed.

Asked of his personal relationship with his predecessor and Senator Mbella Moki, Mayor Ekema said “our relationship has been a bitter one. In fact, when I took over as mayor just after he (Mbella) was made Senator, I decided to establish a cordial relationship with him.

First, I offered him a personal driver from the council and a domestic servant. The relationship has not been the best. But it is important to mention here that when it comes to the development of our municipality and issues of general interest, we have always shunned our differences.” He concluded.

Ekema further faulted his predecessor, recounting how Mbella Moki did all he could to stop the CPDM list in Buea from succeeding in last September elections, noting that Mbella backed the opposition during the period against the CPDM. “There was never a day he (Mbella) attended one campaign organized by the CPDM. We stood the test of time and were voted” he said.

The Journal contacted by phone yesterday to get his side of the story, Mbella Moki denied embezzling funds for the city, vehemently stating that he is a man of integrity and would not stoop too low as to embezzling public funds.