Abia's Otti Instructs Ikpeazu To Refund Airport Project Money And Other Looted Funds.

The governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has instructed Okezie Ikpeazu, the head of the state's recent government, to prepare to refund money that has been embezzled, including monies allocated for the airport project.

In response to the findings of the forensic audit of the state's finances, Otti declared that his government is not engaged in conflict with anyone and is merely seeking to retrieve embezzled money in an effort to uphold good governance.

During a solidarity visit by friends and loyalists of Rowland Chinwendu, the member representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency, the governor delivered a speech in Nvosi.

His main goal, he emphasised, is for Abia State to advance and flourish, and the project funds should be returned because the airport was not completed.

When he revealed the results of the forensic audit report, Otti revealed his dismay at the insults he is receiving from certain quarters in the media.

According to the governor, Chinwendu and his allies' visit in solidarity was auspicious.

“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.”

Chinwendu, the representative for the Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency, stated in his address that his people sent him to the House to speak on their behalf.

He emphasised that, given the governor is from the same LGA, he cannot afford to be perceived as being against the governor.

The congressman expressed gratitude to the governor for his continuous efforts in his area, including the rehabilitation of the Umuikaa-Umuene route.