…Says EFCC still questioning suspects
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to pursue accountability over the controversial ₦10 billion Abia “audio airport” project, declaring that investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) remain active and far from concluded.
Speaking on Friday night at his monthly media briefing in Umuahia, the governor dismissed suggestions that the probe had fizzled out, stressing that suspects are still being invited and questioned.
“The EFCC is still working on the audio airport. People are still being invited, and anyone found culpable will face the consequences,” Otti said.
The governor recalled that shortly after assuming office, he accused his predecessor, Okezie Ikpeazu, of expending public funds on an airport project that never materialised, challenging him to either produce the airport or account for the money allegedly spent.
Beyond accountability, Otti also turned attention to infrastructure delivery, issuing a one-week ultimatum for the commencement of reconstruction work on the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Federal Road, which the state government assumed responsibility for last year.
Visibly displeased that the project had stalled months after its flag-off, he directed the Commissioner for Works, Otumchere Oti, to ensure that contractors mobilise to site without further delay.
“Work must start unfailingly by next week,” the governor ordered.
On environmental renewal and tourism development, Otti announced that his administration is moving ahead with plans to dredge the Aba River down to Azumini Blue River, a move he said would curb pollution, protect aquatic life and unlock tourism potential.
He warned industrial operators in Aba against discharging untreated waste into the river, describing the practice as criminal and environmentally destructive.
“It is a punishable offence to discharge industrial waste into a flowing river. Any factory caught doing so will face the full weight of the law,” he cautioned.
According to the governor, the dredging initiative will feed into broader plans to establish a leisure and entertainment hub at Azumini Blue River, repositioning the Enyimba Hotel as a flagship tourism destination.
Otti disclosed that the Abia State Government holds 80 per cent equity in the hotel, with the remaining 20 per cent owned by the original investors, adding that the facility will be professionally managed by Radisson Blu.
