Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, announced that he will soon release the forensic audit report, which implicates the former administration of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in the misappropriation of billions of state funds.
According to Otti, the audit revealed that funds allocated for various projects were diverted into the accounts of individual companies.
During his monthly media chat, titled “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,” held at Government House Umuahia, Otti clarified that the previous administration transferred N10 billion meant for the airport project into 32 different company accounts before distributing the money.
He added that the funds had already been moved out of the state government account before seeking approval from the Abia State House of Assembly.
Otti stated that the former governor’s denial was expected, but the evidence contradicts the claims. He explained that instead of denying spending the funds, the previous administration alleged that the money was used for road construction, which is not supported by the evidence.
The governor revealed that FEROTEX Construction Company, mentioned in the audit report, admitted that it had never applied for or been awarded the airport project.
Otti emphasized that his primary concern is the refund of the misappropriated funds, rather than seeking punishment for those involved.
He confirmed that the forensic audit was conducted by KPMG, and once the report is made public, further action will be taken by security agencies. Otti stressed that his administration aims to ensure the recovery of the misused funds.
Regarding recent defections from the PDP to the APC in the state, Otti stated that his government is not concerned.
He asserted that the real concern lies with the remaining PDP members, as both former PDP members and those from other political parties are now joining the Labour Party, demonstrating support for his administration’s governance agenda.
