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The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has told his predecessor, Okezie Ikpeazu, to get ready to return looted funds, including money budgeted for the airport project.
Otti said his administration is not fighting anybody but is only interested in recovering looted funds to ensure good governance. He made this statement in response to the report of the forensic audit of the state’s accounts.
The governor spoke at Nvosi, during a solidarity visit by supporters and loyalists of the member representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency, Rowland Chinwendu.
He emphasised that the advancement and development of Abia State is what he desires, and that the project funds have to be reimbursed because the airport was not completed.
Otti expressed his shock at the remarks made against him in the media by some individuals as a result of his revelation of the forensic audit report’s conclusions.
Read Also: We Will Build ‘Real Airport’ For Abia, Soon – Otti
The governor described the solidarity visit by Chinwendu and his supporters as a good omen.
“I established a forensic audit of our accounts as soon as I was sworn in and the report turns out that a lot of money was looted, stolen brazenly and part of the ones I mentioned was the N10 billion Abia Airport Project.
“They started insulting me. If you follow what is happening in the media, you would know that what I said is true.
“We are looking for our money. If we are not able to find the airport, they would have to refund us our money.
“We are not pursuing anybody, they should refund the money they stole, let’s use it to work for our people.
“Our place must develop. We will continue to build roads, we will continue to clean up the environment, we will continue to create jobs.”
In his speech, the member representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency, Chinwendu, noted that his people sent him to the House to represent their interest.
He stressed that he cannot afford to be seen as opposition to the governor, who is from the same LGA.
The lawmaker thanked the governor for the ongoing reconstruction of Umuikaa-Umuene road, among other projects in his constituency.
