Governor Alex Otti of Abia State accused his predecessor, Okezie Ikpeazu, of diverting N10 billion earmarked for an airport project into 32 different company accounts before its allocation. Otti announced plans to release a forensic audit report that implicates the former administration in misappropriating state funds.
During his monthly media chat, “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,” Otti clarified that the money was transferred from the state government’s account before seeking approval from the Abia State House of Assembly. He highlighted discrepancies in the former governor’s denial, noting that the diverted funds were purportedly used for road construction, contrary to available evidence.
Otti emphasized the admission by FEROTEX Construction Company’s management that they never applied for the aborted airport project under the previous administration. He stressed his preference for refunding the misappropriated funds rather than pursuing legal action.
Regarding political defections from the PDP to the APC in the state, Otti expressed confidence in his government’s performance, stating that defections do not concern him. He affirmed that members from various parties are joining him in the Labour Party, prioritizing good governance above political affiliations.