The governor of Abia State, Alex Otti has charged his predecessor, Okezie Ikpeazu to refund N10 billion allegedly looted from the coffers during the later’s tenure as Governor of the State.
Otti alleged that the fund, which was tied to a non-existent airport project by the elsewhile administration, was allegedly diverted into 32 separate accounts of briefcase Contractors, according to a Forensic Audit Committee.
Addressing journalists at the weekend, the Governor said the government is not determined to jail Ikpeazu who had previously denied embezzlement of funds, but sought a refund of the money for the development of Abia.
Otti stated that his is not leaving any stone unturn regarding the N10 billion in recovering the said controversial airport fund, insisting that his interest is for the money to be refunded instead of talking anyone to jail.
He said a substantial part of the money was diverted “On 25th September 2020, when people were living with Covid-19”.
According to him, “What is important to us as a Government is either the person is giving us the airport or showing us the money”.
He also stated that was not surprised at the initial denial of the allegations by his Predecessor, noting that individuals who aided the transfer of public funds would certainly have a date with the law.
“Many of the contractors said he (Ikpeazu) told them that he have never built and airport before.
“They also showed letters from the then Government with the money was given in different tranches to 32 Companies.
“Now, the rest of the work would be done by security agencies”, Otti assured.
The Governor also disclosed that the Contractors that were used as canon folder by his Predecessor had said they have no knowledge about the purported contracts when they appeared before the Forensic Audit Committee separately.
He also assured that the white paper of the Forensic Audit Report would be published at the appropriate time.
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