Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, says his government is not out to fight or witch-hunt anybody but only interested in preserving the people’s commonwealth and recovering whatever funds that belong to the state that may have been looted.
Governor Otti, who was reacting to the report of forensic audit in the state which revealed that the immediate past administration had spent tens of billions of Naira on non existent projects, including the so-called Abia Airport, said this measure is all about enthroning good governance in the state.
The Governor spoke on Sunday at Umuehim, Nvosi, Isialangwa South, during a solidarity visit by hundreds of supporters, various groups and loyalists of the member representing Isialangwa South State Constituency, Hon. Rowland Chinwendu. He insisted that all he wants is the progress and development of Abia State, adding that if the airport was not built, the money voted for the project should be returned.
“I established forensic audit of our account 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 one I mentioned was the 10 billion Naira 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 pursing 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 road, we will continue cleaning up the environment, we would continue to create jobs, we will continue to put our state on the map. Our educational system must be completely revamped, our hospital system must not only work but will be to that level where the rest of the world is today,” the Governor said.
The state chief executive used the occasion to disclose that his administration would soon commence a medical city project in Abia, which would turn Abia into a major medical tourist destination, especially for people with serious health challenges to receive care.
Governor Otti described the solidarity visit by Hon. Chinwendu, popularly called Caesar, and his group of supporters as a good omen. He thanked Chinwendu for his support in the State House of Assembly, saying that they have been working together since the inception of the 8th Assembly.
Speaking, Senator Darlington Nwokocha noted that Governor Otti has through his unprecedented achievements in just eleven months in office redefined politics and Governance. He noted that Abians are now proud of their state and lauded Hon. Chiwendu for coming with his supporters to identify with the Governor.
In his speech, Hon. Chiwendu noted that the people of Isialangwa South sent him to the House to represent their interest with its attendant democracy dividends, pointing out that he cannot afford to be seen as an opposition to the Governor, who comes from the same local goverment area with him.
The lawmaker, while commending Governor Otti for the ongoing reconstruction of Umuikaa-Umuene road among other projects in the area, said that he brought his supporters to identify with the Governor and tell him that they are proud of his achievements in office.
KAZIE UKO
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
Abia State
Government House, Umuahia
May 6, 2024.
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