Forensic Auditors Appointed By Otti Unravels How Immediate Past Govt Paid N107.2bn To 72 Contractors For Non-Existent Abia Airport, Other Projects

A forensic audit conducted by an audit firm has revealed how the immediate past government of Abia State approved funds to contractors for the construction of non-existent state-owned airport and other infrastructure.

The Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti made the revelation during a presentation at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, Washington DC, United States.


He spoke on the theme, ‘Dynamics of State Governance, Economic Transition and the Challenges of Seeking to Establish a New Order Amidst Multiple Constraints and Pushbacks.’

Otti said it is difficult to admit how some Nigerian leaders contest elections for reasons shrouded in corruption.

The governor who took over from Okezie Ikpeazu in 2023 explained that some politicians have abused the privilege of governance thereby impoverishing their states.

Otti explained how he engaged one of the top audit firms to examine the state accounts, adding that the auditor uncovered several deals that are shrouded in corruption.

He said, “Talking about corruption, I set up a forensic audit as soon as I took over last year in Abia so that there won’t be any argument, I called in one of the top three audit firms in the world and not too long ago, they sent in their report and some of the things in the report are frightening.

“So, N79.3bn was paid to seven contractors for contracts that were not executed at all up till today. Another N15.9bn- almost N16bn was paid to 63 contractors with no supporting documents anywhere in the State.


“Another N12bn was paid to two contractors for contracts that did not exist. Out of this figure, N10bn was on September 25, 2020- that is almost four years, paid to some contractors for the construction of Abia State Airport.

“We have spent time trying to locate the airport and up till now, we have failed.”

Otti told his audience that one of his aides advised him to seek Artificial Intelligence (AI) in search of the airport.

“So, as we continue to look for our airport, we have also involved security agencies to help us search.”

Otti explained that the N107.2bn spent on ghost projects is what happens when politicians fail to understand the role of governance and economic integration.

According to Otti, a lack of accountability enables “mindless stealing of resources from the people,”. The governor lamented how impoverishing the populace promotes incompetence and damages trust in public institutions.

He said the evidence of the lack of ingenuity of politicians is how Nigerian states struggle to pay salaries and pensions.

Earlier in April 2024, Otti lamented that the state was plunged into debt of N192bn by his predecessor, Ikpeazu. He further revealed how his predecessor also inherited N34.5bn debt from T.A. Orji.

https://thewhistler.ng/forensic-auditors-appointed-by-otti-unravels-how-immediate-past-govt-paid-n107-2bn-to-72-contractors-for-non-existent-abia-airport-other-projects/amp/

Report him to EFCC and quit media trial.

Just write the petition to EFCC and let the media know that the petition is before EFCC so the public can follow up with you. This kind of strategy muddles up a potential criminal case with divisive politics. For now, he is innocent until proven otherwise by the prosecutors.

May God bless Nigeria for ever! Check my signature for free stuffs!

So, N79.3bn was paid to seven contractors for contracts that were not executed at all up till today. Another N15.9bn- almost N16bn was paid to 63 contractors with no supporting documents anywhere in the State.


“Another N12bn was paid to two contractors for contracts that did not exist. Out of this figure, N10bn was on September 25, 2020- that is almost four years, paid to some contractors for the construction of Abia State Airport.Imagine these huge sum mismanaged by a single administration,,,Money that's meant for a capital project diverted to private account

FreeStuffsNG:
Report him to EFCC and quit media trial.

Just write the petition to EFCC and let the media know that the petition is before EFCC so the public can follow up with you. This kind of strategy muddles up a potential criminal case with divisive politics. For now, he is innocent until proven otherwise by the prosecutors.

May God bless Nigeria for ever! Check my signature for free stuffs!

“So, as we continue to look for our airport, we have also involved security agencies to help us search.”

Supporter of corruption it's obvious that you didnt care to read the article

EFCC should as a matter of urgency declare Ikpeazu wanted.. if we talk now, they'll say we too talk, South East politicians are the most useless in the whole of Nigeria.
A tiny region same as Oyo State in size, yet collecting x5 of what Oyo State gets as allocation from Federal purse but still can't develop. Their Governors have looted them dry.

flokii:
EFCC should as a matter of urgency declare Ikpeazu wanted.. if we talk now, they'll say we too talk, South East politicians are the most useless in the whole of Nigeria.
A tiny region same as Oyo State in size, yet collecting x5 of what Oyo State gets as allocation from Federal purse but still can't develop. Their Governors have looted them dry.

Racoon, Ofunaofu, successmatters & fellow Obidients will blame Tinubu & APC for the systematic robbery of their uncle.

favor914:
Racoon, Ofunaofu, successmatters & fellow Obidients will blame Tinubu & APC for the systematic robbery of their uncle.

I don't know why you guys are wailing over this news, is it not because of the above that PDP was kicked out of Abia state ? So what else do you want

favor914:
Racoon & fellow Obidients will blame Tinubu & APC for the systematic robbery of their uncle.

Tinubu, Gandollar, Yahaya Bello, El-Rufai, Matawalle, Atiku Bagudu are still waiting for EFCC. We expose our own and don't play emilokan politics

The whole state must be that foolish to be deceived to this level.