Amidst escalating tensions in Abia State, Governor Alex Otti accuses predecessor Okezie Ikpeazu of mismanaging N10 billion earmarked for a non-existent airport project. Otti demands transparency, citing a forensic audit report, while Ikpeazu defends fund redirection for road projects.
In the ongoing saga between Governor Alex Otti of Abia State and his predecessor, Okezie Ikpeazu, the stakes continue to rise over the alleged misallocation of N10 billion designated for an airport project that Otti claims doesn't exist. Otti's assertions, made during a lecture at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, sparked a wildfire of controversy. He cited a forensic audit report conducted by a reputable firm contracted during his administration, alleging gross fiscal mismanagement under Ikpeazu's tenure.
The allegations have thrown the political landscape of Abia State into disarray, with Otti's accusations hitting at the heart of Ikpeazu's legacy. However, Ikpeazu swiftly responded through his spokesperson, vehemently denying the claims as "senseless" and demanding transparency from Otti by releasing the audit report to the public.
In a subsequent rebuttal, Ikpeazu's former commissioner for Information, John Kalu, unveiled a detailed account of how the N10 billion originally designated for the airport project was repurposed for vital road infrastructure projects across the state. He emphasized that the decision was made in consultation with key stakeholders, including the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, to address pressing socio-economic needs.
The exchange between Otti and Ikpeazu underscores the deep-seated political rivalry between the two leaders, with Otti consistently leveling accusations against Ikpeazu's administration since assuming office. The controversy not only threatens to tarnish Ikpeazu's reputation but also highlights the challenges of governance and accountability in Abia State's political landscape.
