Governor Dr. Alex Otti of Abia State alleges that the previous government in the state diverted approximately N10bn earmarked for the construction of an airport to 32 different accounts. He challenges former governor Okezie Ikpeazu to either show where the airport is constructed or return the misappropriated funds.
Speaking at a recent press briefing in Umuahia, the governor stated that the funds were transferred in multiple tranches. He emphasized that, in due course, all those involved in diverting funds meant for the state will be held accountable.
Furthermore, he questioned why the state government under former governor Ikpeazu would authorize a payment of N10bn to a contractor who neither bid to construct an airport nor had the necessary competence to do so.
He said, “So our engagement with the company that received the money gives the impression that the company was deceived. The managing director of the company said that he told them that he had never built an airport before, and, it’s not his area of competence. Neither did he apply to them to construct an airport.
“Has he the competence to construct an airport? And according to him, of course, he will respond to the security agencies. According to him, the then government asked him to move the monies elsewhere. He showed us letters from the then government to move the money in different tranches to 32 companies. And that he did on the instruction of the former government.”
