Airport: Otti asks Ikpeazu to refund looted funds

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has asked the immediate past administration in the state, headed by Okezie Ikpeazu, to get ready to return looted funds, including money budgeted for the airport project.

Otti, who was reacting to the report of the forensic audit of the state’s accounts, said his administration is not fighting anybody but is only interested in recovering looted funds, in a bid to ensure good governance.

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 stressed that what he wants is the progress and development of Abia State, emphasizing that since the airport was not executed, the project money should be refunded.

Otti expressed dismay that some people are insulting him in the media because he disclosed the findings of the forensic audit report.

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 will know that what I said is true.

“We are looking for our money. If we are not able to find the airport, they will 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 interests.

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.