After weeks of speculation and verbal sparring between the media aides of incumbent Governor Alex Otti and his predecessor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, the Abia State Government has finally released the much-anticipated forensic audit report of Ikpeazu’s administration.
The 360-page dossier was unveiled by the Commissioner of Information, Prince Okey Kanu, following a press briefing after the State Executive Council meeting on Monday night.
A thorough examination of the document, compiled by the renowned global audit firm Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG), reveals various financial transactions and alleged infractions by the immediate-past administration in the state.
Among its findings, the report details how the previous administration authorized the release of N10 billion from the state coffers for the construction of the Abia Airport, only to later instruct the contractor to disburse the funds into 32 different accounts.
Former Governor Ikpeazu has consistently denied any involvement in the airport contract controversy, asserting that, in response to requests from traditional rulers, the funds were redirected towards road infrastructure development.
Prior to the release of the dossier on Monday night, the Information Commissioner emphasized the importance of allowing the public access to the document to ensure they are informed about the facts of the matter, rather than being swayed by the propaganda of those feeling threatened by the report’s revelations.
“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.
Adding his voice, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, said that some of those indicted by the report were already guests of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC.
“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.”
Responding to a question on why the Governor decided to commission an audit firm to audit the finances of the state under the watch of the former Governor when a probe panel was already set up to investigate the past administration, Ekeoma said the decision was in order.
He explained that there was nothing wrong with engaging a reputable audit firm with track record of competence, integrity and experience to professionally audit the state accounts to eliminate unnecessary doubts.
Ekeoma challenged those who felt exposed by the shocking revelations in the report to rather go to the EFCC with their facts and clear their names instead of resorting to media war to confuse the gullible with fabricated documents.
On the claims by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, that the State Government was embarking on further verification exercises for Abia workers, the Information Commissioner dismissed it as untrue.
According to him, the government only asked the workers to upload their credentials online.
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