ABIA AIRPORT PROBE: Gov Otti Assures Publish of Audit Report, Reveals Interest

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has assured that his administration will publish the KPMG forensic audit report that indicted the former administration in the state led by former governor Okezie Ikpeazu on the alleged N10bn airport missing fund.

Governor Otti also revealed that the N10bn deducted from the state’s account was moved to 32 companies under the instruction of former governor Ikpeazu.

The governor gave the fresh details of the allegation on the missing fund on Thursday during the monthly media parley held at the government house in Umuahia, Abia State capital.

Recall that the allegation was recently made by the administration of Governor Alex Otti where it faulted that funds were collected for several projects which were never executed.

Governor Otti affirmed that the former government didn’t deny the allegation but their claim was that the funds were diverted into roads which must be proved when the time comes.

“It is for them to show us the roads, but what is true is that on 25th of September 2020 when people were dealing with COVID, a debit went into the state’s account.” Gov Otti said.

Speaking on the initial response by the previous government about the missing N10bn fund, governor Otti said the immediate past government’s denial is not unexpected.

“When it was first announced, they went to the media to abuse the government and said the government lied and there’s nothing like that, and a media house got hold of the report, published it.” Gov Otti said.

He also reminded that in defence, the previous government said the funds were diverted into roads as at the time the country was battling with COVID.

Gov Otti also said the auditors(KPMG) engagement with Ferotex Construction Company whose account the money was sent to shows that they were deceived.

“The managing director of the firm said he told them that he has never built an airport before and it’s not his area of competence neither did he apply to build an airport.” Gov Otti said.

Gov Otti also assured that Ferotex Construction Company will respond to the security agency and show letters directing him to move the funds to 32 different companies.

He also affirmed that his administration is not interested in anyone going to jail but for the money to be refunded to the state or shown where the airport is built.

“we are not even interested in anybody going to jail, except if they are telling us that if somebody’s money is missing should not look for the money. where I come from, if ur property is missing, you have to look for it. ” Gov Otti said.