Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, on Friday approved the extension of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry’s work on the recovery of government properties, funds, and related matters. This decision allows the panel to address areas that have not yet been covered.
The Governor granted this approval during the presentation of the panel’s final report.
According to Governor Otti, “Since there are petitions that have not been investigated, more time should be given to the panel to cover such areas instead of abruptly terminating the job of the panel.”
He expressed confidence in the work already done, saying, “I received the interim report earlier and I can confirm that the report was a job thoroughly done. I do not doubt that this final report would not depart from that trajectory you have set.”
Otti also acknowledged attempts to obstruct the panel’s work, noting, “I had also heard how people tried to frustrate your efforts and also how you resisted them. This will go down in history as part of the courageous effort you and your team made to rescue Abia State and to put it on the developmental path.”
He commended the chairman of the panel, Justice Florence Duruoha-Igwe, and her team for their dedication, assuring them that their recommendations would be seriously implemented.
“One thing that is not lacking in this government is courage. It is only courage that you require to do the right thing,” Otti said.
“I can assure you that we are going to take this report very very seriously and we are going to implement it to the letter. I want to reassure you that none of your recommendations will be swept under the carpet.”
Governor Otti revealed that some individuals who had been summoned by the panel had begun returning properties they had acquired illegitimately.
“Already, some of the people you had called have already started complying. One came here to return documents of a property somewhere that he acquired illegitimately and he said he didn’t want our trouble,” he stated.
Earlier, while submitting the three-volume report, Justice Florence Duruoha-Igwe, the panel’s chairman, disclosed that the panel had received 350 petitions and memoranda, held 99 sittings, and addressed matters related to markets, lands, employments, movable properties, contracts, and other related issues. She emphasized that the panel did its best despite facing challenges and urged the Governor to carefully consider their recommendations.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring accountability and order in Abia State.