Why I Finally Set Up A Judicial Panel For The Recovery Of Abia Assets – Gov. Otti Explains

Prior to his inauguration as the Executive governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, had said that he will not probe the past administration of the state, rather he will focus on governance and giving Abia state a face-lift.

However, in a turn of events, the governor on Tuesday, June 27, inaugurated a 5-member Panel of Judicial inquiry for the recovery of assets belonging to the Abia state government.

Speaking at the inauguration of the panel held and the banquet hall of the Abia State Government House in Umuahia, governor Alex Otti noted that his administration would have focused on running the affairs of the state and providing dividends of democracy to Abians without investigating the immediate past administration of Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, however the probe became necessary as there are huge allegations of misuse and misappropriation of public funds by ex-officials.

Governor Otti also pointed that the “very hostile handover with many assets inaccessible”; conversion of public lands, schools and other institutions to private assets, informed the inauguration of panel of inquiry to ensure appropriate accountability as advocated by teeming Abia populace.

The governor said the panel of inquiry will;

1) Investigate complaints of government property misuse and recommend remedial actions.

2) Identify illegal acquisition/conversion of state assets and suggest recovery methods.

3) Analyze land allocation/revocation from May 2015-2023, judging their appropriateness.

4) Review contract awards from May 2015-2023 for legality.

5) Investigate other matters incidental or related to the above, making further recommendations.

Otti charged officials working under his administration to be transparent and accountable in a way that they will not be found guilty of any form of misappropriation in case another administration in years to come decides to probe his government.

“Ordinarily, the desire of this administration would have been to focus on the business of governance and the delivering of the dividend of democracy, without resorting to any form of inquiry into past deeds. However, in response to large-scale allegations of misuse and misappropriation of public resources by former officials. A very hostile handover with many assets inaccessible and operations starting from ground zero. Public lands and institutions, including Schools were not spared from conversion to private use. Emphasizes the need for inquiry and accountability, as advocated by our citizens.

We anticipate a swift operation from the panel, and encourage public support for the recovery of our shared wealth. With your excellent records, we trust you will help rebuild Abia State.

To current officials, let this be a reminder of accountability: Your actions today will be judged tomorrow.

“Let me state that in the next few years, those who would be succeeding us may also want to set up a Panel of Enquiry to investigate our activities, therefore we must comport ourselves in a manner that nothing would be found against us if that happens’ the governor charged.