Amidst mounting tensions and verbal clashes between the media teams of Gov. Alex Otti and former Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, the Abia State Government has at last released the long-awaited forensic audit report of Ikpeazu’s tenure.
Commissioner of Information, Prince Okey Kanu, revealed the extensive 360-page dossier during a press briefing following the State Executive Council meeting on Monday night, as reported by Vanguard.
Compiled by the esteemed global audit firm, Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG), the report exposed a series of financial transactions and alleged irregularities within the previous administration.
A significant revelation within the report shows how a staggering N10 billion allocated for the construction of the Abia Airport was diverted into an astonishing 32 separate accounts.
Former Gov. Ikpeazu has vehemently denied any involvement in the airport project, asserting that the funds were redirected to address urgent road infrastructure needs at the request of traditional leaders.
Prior to the report’s release, Information Commissioner Kanu stressed the importance of public scrutiny, urging citizens to examine the facts presented in the document rather than being swayed by partisan rhetoric.
“So, we are going to release the report. We want people to read it and interpret it. The report is ready in its content,” he declared.
In tandem with the report’s publication, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, revealed that individuals implicated in the audit findings are already under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Ekeoma lambasted the previous administration for what he deemed “despicable” actions, highlighting instances of transactions conducted without proper approval and the misallocation of funds during a pandemic year.
“The EFCC has started inviting those indicted by KPMG report. We are talking of N62 billion and not N10 paid out in a COVID-19 year for building a non existent airport!
“You made transactions even before getting approval for the payments? Instead of being ashamed for doing a despicable thing that they did, they are on the media shamelessly mounting a propaganda.
“The audit is not directed at anybody, however, the actors have the opportunity to defend themselves.”
