CurrentReport Report In a significant development, the Abia State Government has released a comprehensive 360-page forensic audit report that implicates the immediate past administration of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in the alleged misappropriation of N10 billion allocated for an airport project. This action follows through on a promise made by Governor Alex Otti to uncover and address the financial irregularities of the previous administration.
Forensic Audit Report Unveiled
Governor Otti, maintaining his commitment to transparency, had previously vowed to publish the findings of a KPMG audit report and ensure the recovery of the missing funds. The release of this detailed forensic report substantiates allegations of financial misconduct and has prompted immediate legal actions.
Legal Actions and EFCC Involvement
Following the publication of the audit report, the Abia State Government has escalated the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). According to Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, the anti-graft agency has commenced the process of summoning key figures from the former administration to account for their roles in the misappropriation.
Mr. Ekeoma urged former Commissioner for Information and Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, and other defenders of the Ikpeazu administration to present their case before the EFCC. He criticized the manner in which the previous government secured the N10 billion loan for the airport project, noting the lack of prior approval from the State House of Assembly.
Allegations of Forgery and Misdirection of Funds
The audit report revealed disturbing details about the handling of the airport project funds. Among the revelations, Mr. Ekeoma highlighted instances where documents supposedly justifying the reallocation of funds were found to be forged or falsified. He described the manipulation of official documents and the suspicious timing of fund transfers during the global financial crisis of 2020 as particularly egregious.
Governor’s Stance on Accountability
Governor Otti, during his address at John Hopkins University, refrained from naming individuals but emphasized the necessity of accountability. He called for those involved to defend their actions with valid documentation, pointing out the absence of any credible evidence from the former administration to refute the audit findings.
Misuse of Airport Project Funds
Ekeoma elaborated on the misuse of the funds, pointing out that the former administration diverted N10 billion intended for the airport to a construction company, which subsequently distributed the money into multiple accounts. He questioned the legitimacy of these transactions, underscoring the absence of appropriate authorizations and the dubious role of the construction company in managing state funds.
As the EFCC investigation unfolds, the Abia State Government remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice and recovery of the misappropriated funds.
