Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, has challenged his predecessor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, and his lieutenants to clear their name with the anti-graft agency over their role in the missing N10 billion Abia airport fund.
Otti threw the challenge as the State Government released the much expected forensic audit report detailing financial transactions during the eight-year administration of Ikpeazu.
Spokesman of Otti’s administration and Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who released the 360-page document after the State Executive Council meeting press briefing in Umuahia, challenged those indicted by the document to come out with their own defence at the appropriate security agencies.
Meanwhile, the audit report conducted by a renowned global audit firm, Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler, KPMG, at a glance, reveals various financial transactions by Ikpeazu’s administration.
It also shows alleged infractions by the State Government under the watch of the former Governor.
Among the contents of the document, were details of how the administration approved the payment of a whopping N10 billion from the state coffers for the purpose of building Abia Airport, and later instructed the contractor to wire the fund into 32 different accounts.
Ikengaonline had reported that ex- Gov. Ikpeazu through his Information Commissioner, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, had denied any culpability in the airport contract.
He had explained that based on request by traditional rulers, the fund was redeployed to road infrastructural development.
However, Otti’s Spokesman said that it has become necessary for members of the public to acquaint themselves with the facts of what truly transpired.
He said that making the report available in the public space would end the on-going propaganda by those who felt exposed by the report.
“So, we are going to release the report. We want people to read it and interpret it. The report is ready in its content,” he declared.
Contributing, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, said that some of those indicted by the report were already guests of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC.
“The EFCC has started inviting those indicted by KPMG report.
“We are talking of N62 billion and not N10 paid out in a COVID-19 year for building a nonexistent airport!
“You made transactions even before getting approval for the payments? Instead of being ashamed for doing a despicable thing that they did, they are on the media shamelessly mounting a propaganda.
“The audit is not directed at anybody, however, the actors have the opportunity to defend themselves.”
