Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has issued a stern warning to the immediate past administration led by Okezie Ikpeazu, urging them to prepare to return allegedly looted funds, including money allocated for the airport project. Otti’s statement comes in the wake of the release of a forensic audit report on the state’s accounts, which uncovered significant financial irregularities.
Addressing the public during a solidarity visit by supporters and loyalists of the member representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency, Rowland Chinwendu, Governor Otti emphasized that his administration is solely focused on recovering looted funds to ensure good governance and foster the progress and development of Abia State.
“We are not fighting anybody, but we are determined to recover the looted funds,” Otti stated unequivocally.
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Expressing disappointment at the alleged misappropriation of funds earmarked for developmental projects, Otti stressed the need for accountability and transparency in governance. He specifically pointed to the abandoned airport project, highlighting that since it was not executed, the funds allocated for the project should be refunded to the state.
“The forensic audit of our accounts revealed that a substantial amount of money was brazenly looted, including the funds allocated for the N10 billion Abia Airport Project,” Otti revealed.
Despite facing criticism and insults in the media for disclosing the findings of the forensic audit report, Otti remained steadfast in his commitment to recovering stolen funds and channeling them towards meaningful development initiatives for the benefit of the people of Abia State.
“We are not pursuing vendettas; we are demanding accountability. If we cannot locate the airport project, then they must refund the money they misappropriated,” Otti asserted.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to infrastructure development, environmental sanitation, and job creation, emphasizing the imperative of building a prosperous and thriving Abia State.
In his remarks, Rowland Chinwendu, the member representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency, expressed his unwavering support for Governor Otti’s administration and underscored the importance of unity and collaboration in advancing the interests of the people.
“As a representative of my constituents, I am fully committed to working in harmony with the governor to fulfill our mandate of delivering progress and development to our communities,” Chinwendu affirmed.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for ongoing infrastructure projects in his constituency, including the reconstruction of the Umuikaa-Umuene road, and pledged his continued support for initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the people of Abia State.
The Governor Pledges to Prioritize Masses in Abia State
Otti hailed for his transformative efforts since assuming office approximately a year ago, reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the masses reap the dividends of democracy under his leadership.
Speaking during a meeting with a delegation from Course 17, Syndicate 2 of the National Institute for Security Studies, Abuja, at Government House Umuahia, Governor Otti emphasized his dedication to inclusive governance that benefits the entire populace, rather than a select few.
Otti expressed his conviction that it is high time the ordinary citizens of Abia State experienced the tangible benefits of good governance. He lamented the decades-long trend where a handful of privileged politicians have purportedly enriched themselves at the expense of the masses and pledged to reverse this trend during his tenure.
“Politicians who have held sway over the affairs of the state since the return of democracy in 1999 have helped themselves enough with the common patrimony,” Otti remarked.
Highlighting recent initiatives aimed at prioritizing the welfare of the masses, Otti pointed to his administration’s decision to clear the backlog of pension arrears owed to retirees since 2014. He emphasized that this move exemplifies his administration’s dedication to addressing the plight of pensioners who have been neglected by previous administrations.
“Never again shall Abia pensioners be owed their pension,” Otti declared emphatically.
Furthermore, Otti disclosed that he had directed that pensioners be paid alongside workers on the 28th of every month, with this directive taking effect from April. He emphasized the importance of timely and consistent payment of pensions as a demonstration of respect and gratitude for the contributions of retirees to the development of the state.
“This is the people’s time. Politicians have helped themselves enough for the past 24 years,” Otti asserted, signaling a departure from the status quo and a renewed focus on uplifting the lives of ordinary citizens.
Governor Otti’s remarks reflect a broader commitment to inclusive governance and social justice, where the interests and welfare of the masses take precedence over political expediency.