'EFCC should pick Ikpeazu up' - Calls for arrest of former Anambra gov intensify after Otti's revelation

Mixed reactions have trailed allegations by Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti against Okezie Ikpeazu, the immediate past governor of the state who he accused of approving funds to contractors for the construction of non-existent state-owned airport and other infrastructure.

Alex Otti in a presentation at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, Washington DC, United States said it is difficult to admit how some Nigerian leaders contest elections for reasons shrouded in corruption.

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.’

A video of the governor revealing the mismanagement of his predecessor has angered social media users with many calling for his arrest and a probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to the governor, some governors and politicians in the country have abused the privileges 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, N9.3bn 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.”

Below is how social media users reacted

Henryeyo1 wrote: "Until citizens begin to demand accountability and engage their elected officials in difficult conversations, there would be no progress. FOI exists for a reason. But the sad truth is that the average Nigerian has a ‘chop I chop’ mentality, and will tell you ‘na him turn, make he chop’. 50 years down the road Nigeria might never develop unless citizens change their orientation."

ehmoojay commented: "Governors are not helping the development at all . We only focus on federal govt"

designs.by.maye said: "God keep this man for us. You finally sent us a saviour please protect him and give him all the odeshi in your kingdom"

obi_english wrote: "EFCC should pick Ikpeazu up"

fred_effiong1 commented: "This is applicable to all the ex governors… award fake contracts to ghost companies and money laundering passes through the banks."

elvisose1 said: "And the Governor in question Ikpeazu is one of the G-5 corruption stricken governors of PDP led by Wike"

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AARE DR DELE MOMODU (@delemomoduovation)