Abia State Government Allegedly Diverts ₦10 Billion Meant For International Airport Development

Abia State Government Allegedly Diverts ₦10 Billion Meant For International Airport Development....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Abia State Government, headed by Governor Alex Otti, has unveiled the results of the forensic audit report on the previous administration led by Okezie Ikpeazu. Prince Okey Kanu, the Commissioner of Information, made the 360-page dossier public following a press briefing after the State Executive Council meeting on Monday.

Kanu revealed that the report, conducted by the reputable global audit firm KPMG, outlines various financial transactions and alleged irregularities during the tenure of the former administration. Among the findings, it was disclosed that the Ikpeazu government authorized the disbursement of N10 billion from the state funds for the construction of the Abia Airport, with the funds later dispersed into 32 separate accounts at the directive of the administration.

Kanu emphasized the importance of public scrutiny of the document to understand the true events instead of being influenced by misleading narratives propagated by those implicated in the report.

Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, noted that some individuals named in the report were already under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He highlighted the gravity of the alleged misappropriation of N62 billion, particularly during a challenging period like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ekeoma defended the decision to engage a reputable audit firm like KPMG, stressing the need to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of state resources. He called upon those implicated to address the allegations through proper legal channels rather than resorting to media campaigns to discredit the findings.

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