Former Abia Commissioner Accuses Governor Otti Of Deliberately Misleading Public, Says Financial Review Shows Ikpeazu Left N3.48Billion Net Credit Balance
Former Commissioner for Information in Abia State, Chief John Okiyi-Kalu, countered Governor Alex Otti’s accusations against former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu regarding the alleged diversion of funds. Okiyi-Kalu pointed to a financial review report by KPMG, which stated that Ikpeazu left a net credit balance of N3.48 billion for Governor Otti, contradicting Otti’s claims of a N10 billion diversion.
Otti accused Ikpeazu of diverting funds earmarked for an airport project, promising to release a forensic audit report implicating Ikpeazu. However, Okiyi-Kalu clarified that the audit only reviewed financial processes, not constituting a forensic audit as claimed by Otti.
Additionally, Okiyi-Kalu highlighted other assets left by Ikpeazu, including a share in the Aba Independent Power Project valued at N80 billion, further disproving Otti’s allegations.
The former commissioner criticized Otti’s handling of state finances, questioning the transparency of his government’s expenditures, particularly a N9 billion allocation for “research & development” without clear explanation.
Okiyi-Kalu cautioned against trusting Otti’s claims, citing inconsistencies in his statements and urging the public to discern the truth.
Furthermore, he challenged Otti’s assertion that Ikpeazu diverted funds into various company accounts, arguing that as a governor, Ikpeazu didn’t directly handle contract awards or cheque signing, which were under the purview of specific committees and ministry officials.
Okiyi-Kalu invited those interested in the KPMG report to contact him for further details, suggesting the report exonerated Ikpeazu and revealed shortcomings in Otti’s leadership.
In summary, Okiyi-Kalu refuted Otti’s allegations against Ikpeazu, citing the KPMG report and questioning Otti’s credibility and financial management practices.
Sahara Reporters
