Gov. Otti Exposes Alleged N10 Billion Misappropriation in Abia State Airport Project

The controversy surrounding the purported misappropriation of N10 billion in funds allocated for an airport project during former Abia State governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s administration has intensified, with current Governor Alex Otti vowing to recover the funds before considering legal action.

During a media session on Thursday night, Governor Otti unveiled details of the alleged financial irregularities, alleging that the funds were paid into the account of a company that never bid for the project. He claimed that the company was instructed to transfer the money into 32 different accounts in installments.

Expressing his disbelief at the audacity of such actions, Governor Otti vowed to hold accountable anyone involved in the movement of the funds, threatening to involve security agencies in the investigation.

Furthermore, Governor Otti pledged to release the full forensic audit report conducted by a reputable audit firm, KPMG, as soon as possible. He emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing the allegations of graft and financial impropriety.

Responding to accusations by supporters of the former governor, Otti reiterated the validity of the N10 billion debit made to the state account in September 2020, earmarked for the airport project. He highlighted discrepancies in the timeline of events, pointing out that the State House of Assembly approved the funds requested for the airport construction after the money had already been withdrawn from the state account.

Moreover, Otti raised concerns about the contractor who received the funds, asserting that the company had expressed its incapacity to undertake the airport project. He presented letters purportedly instructing the transfer of funds to multiple companies, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the transactions.

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In response to assertions by Ikpeazu’s allies, Otti remained steadfast in his pursuit of accountability, emphasizing the need to locate the missing funds or ascertain the existence of the airport project. He underscored the importance of diligent investigation and recovery efforts, rather than focusing solely on punitive measures.

As the investigation unfolds, Governor Otti’s commitment to uncovering the truth behind the alleged financial irregularities underscores the imperative of accountability and transparency in governance. The resolution of this controversy will undoubtedly shape public perception and set a precedent for accountability in public financial management in Abia State.