The government of Abia State, in a bid to reclaim state assets, has initiated the retrieval of government properties reportedly held by influential individuals in Aba, the bustling commercial center of the state.
According to reports from MAGIC FM, the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) spearheaded the recovery operation, successfully reclaiming two government properties located at 40A/40B, Ekenna Street, GRA, and another on Onyeador Street, off Aba-Ikot Ekpene Highway.
Addressing the media, Mr. Uche Ukeje, the General Manager of GADA, emphasized the government’s obligation to safeguard state assets and prevent their unauthorized transfer into private hands.
Highlighting the case of the property at GRA, Ukeje revealed its origin as part of the Aba Textile Mills and Assets, previously recovered by the state from certain entities.
However, it was later allegedly appropriated by an individual with close ties to the previous administration.
Ukeje explained, “We discovered that the former consultant to Abia State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ABSAA), who was also the past commissioner for Transport, converted a public asset to his private property through a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) issued after the elections.”
Regarding the Onyeador property, Ukeje clarified its historical significance as a former state Veterinary Medicine facility, earmarked for the National Industrial Court.
This proactive asset recovery initiative, according to Ukeje, marks the beginning of a broader sanitization process.
He affirmed GADA’s commitment to identifying and reclaiming such assets for public use, ensuring they serve their intended purpose for the benefit of the community.
