Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has ignited controversy by accusing former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu's administration of transferring a staggering N10 billion allocated for a non-existent airport project into 32 different accounts.
Addressing the media during a press briefing on Thursday night, Governor Otti revealed damning details about the alleged financial mismanagement, shedding light on the intricate web of transactions orchestrated by his predecessor.
According to Otti, the funds were initially deposited into the account of a company that had not even bid for the airport project. Subsequently, the company was purportedly instructed to disburse the funds across 32 separate accounts in installments, raising suspicions of embezzlement and graft.
Expressing incredulity at the audacious scheme, Otti emphasized his commitment to recovering the misappropriated funds, eschewing punitive measures in favor of restitution.
"It's either those who received the funds return them or they demonstrate the existence of the purported airport," Otti asserted, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the purported project.
The Governor pledged transparency and accountability, affirming that the forensic audit report conducted by reputable firm KPMG would soon be made public. He underscored the veracity of the findings, dismissing attempts by the previous administration to discredit the revelations.
"The evidence is incontrovertible," Otti declared, referencing bank statements and reports documenting the questionable financial transactions. "We will not rest until justice is served and the truth is revealed to the people of Abia State."
As the controversy deepens, Governor Otti's revelations have thrust the issue of financial accountability and governance ethics into the spotlight, igniting fervent debate and scrutiny of the state's leadership.
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