21/04/2024
Gov.Otti: We Are Searching To Locate Ex-Gov.Ikpeazu’s N10bn Airport
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has revealed the shocking findings of a forensic audit conducted by a renowned audit firm. The audit has uncovered corrupt practices in the previous administration of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, including the allocation of funds to contractors for projects that never existed.
Speaking at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in Washington DC, Governor Otti shared the disturbing details of the audit report. He explained that he enlisted the services of one of the top audit firms in the world to scrutinize the state's accounts, leading to the discovery of several questionable transactions.
According to Governor Otti, a staggering sum of N79.3bn was paid to seven contractors who failed to execute any of the contracted projects. Additionally, N15.9bn was disbursed to 63 contractors without any supporting documentation. Moreover, N12bn was allocated to two contractors for nonexistent projects, including a significant ₦10 b payment made in September 2020 for the construction of the Abia State Airport. Despite extensive efforts to locate the airport, it has proved elusive.
Governor Otti shared that one of his aides even suggested using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to aid in the search for the airport.
Earlier this year, Governor Otti disclosed that his predecessor, Governor Ikpeazu, left the state with a staggering debt of N192bn. This mounting debt burden comes on top of the N34.5bn inherited by Governor Ikpeazu from his predecessor, T.A. Orji.
This revelation of blatant misuse of public funds underscores the urgent need for accountability and transparency in governance. Governor Otti's commitment to exposing corruption and pursuing justice is commendable as he strives to ensure that the citizens of Abia State receive the infrastructure and services they deserve.
