News

Perspective – Abia Forensic Audit: How we spent N10bn Airport fund- Ikpeazu

Published

2 years ago

May 7, 2024

csunews

…..Tells Otti to stop diverting attention from the Abia Q1 report’s show of reckless spending ….

Immediate past Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has warned his successor, Dr. Alex Otti, to focus on governance and stop deceiving the people with lies and fiction.

Ikpeazu, who spoke against the background of a report that his government awarded a N10 billion contract for the construction of an airport in Abia without doing same, insisted that Otti was on clout chasing and deceiving gulliable people with the alleged forensic report he conducted on Abia Finances.

Rather, Ikpeazu said that Otti was diverting attention from the quarterly reports of Abia State, which showed that his government has been reckless with funds.

Ikpeazu said: “Accounting for the N10billion, no dime was diverted. Otti is diverting attention from his own Quaterly report which captured him spending N3billion on research and nonexistent projects. Why is it that he is using the same Ferrotex contractor, who he accused of receiving N10billion from us for major contracts today? What stopped him or his auditors from asking Ferrotex for explanations? We have decided to respond to him with evidence of jobs done. The time of truth has come.”

Providing an insight into the spending of the money, a former Commissioner for Information under Ikpeazu, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, asked Otti to stop playing to the gallery and tell Abians the truth with documents at his disposal..

Okiyi-Kalu said that the alleged N10billion originally budgeted for the airport project was rechanneled into other projects, following the approval of the Executive council, after traditional rulers in the state told Ikpeazu to forget an airport project but focus on repairing major roads in the state. The traditional rulers had told Ikpeazu that the airports in Owerri and Uyo made an Abia airport project unviable.

Okiyi-Kalu, who later served as a Commissioner for Trade and Investment, said that it was shocking that after a demand was made for the publication of the much talked about audit, Otti and his media handlers rushed to a blogger to help them publish an indicting report against his former principal instead of the forensic audit report.

Okiyi-Kalu said that since Otti became the Governor of Abia State, Ferotex Construction Company has been awarded the Umuimo Road, Shalom Road and Umuode Road all in Aba.
“Currently, Ferotex Construction Company is equally handling 22.5 kilometres Isuikwuato-Abariba section of the 67.6 kilometres Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Abiriba-Ohafia Road, which is Otti’s biggest road project in Abia State.”

Okiyi-Kalu explained that the airport project issue first came to the Abia State Executive Council at a meeting on September 24, 2020.
He said that based on the presentation made to the Exco, they approved the project and also approved the borrowing of N10billion “from UBA Plc as an initial investment by the state with repayment charged to our FAAC account with the bank.

“You may wish to recall that during the period, the country was still struggling to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic with very low FAAC and IGR inflows across the states,” he said.
Okiyi-Kalu said the current Secretary to State Government, who is an appointee of Otti, Prof Kenneth Kalu, can review and confirm his claim from Exco records in his custody.

“Shortly after we announced Exco’s approval of the airport project, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu received in audience executives of Abia State Traditional Rulers Council then led by HRM Eze Joseph Nwabekee.

“On the 13th of November 2020, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu informed members of the State Executive Council about the details of his meeting with representatives of the traditional rulers in Abia State, who requested that we suspend the airport project and commit the funds earmarked for it to do more roads in the state, as we are surrounded by airports already but need to urgently improve internal roads that would give a further boost to the socio-economic activities of the state. Exco thereafter voted to approve the suspension and request to use the earmarked funds for road projects in the state.”

He further said that on November 17, 2020, Governor Ikpeazu took to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle to inform Abia Citizens that the airport project had been suspended.
Okiyi-Kalu said that Ikpeazu must have informed the then Commissioner for Works, Elder Bob Ogu, of his intention to suspend the Airport project in anticipation of Exco approval, hence the State Ministry of Works selected road projects in Abia 2020 budget for funding with the N10 billion and allocated resources to the contractors.
Okiyi-Kalu gave a detailed account of the roads and contractors that received the N10billion initially marked out for construction of an airport and listed about 18 projects that were done, in place of the airport.

According to his list: “China Zonghghao for Osisioma flyover Aba & ABSUTH Road Aba got N800,000,000. Trackcare Construction Company for Aba-Owerri road Aba (Brass to Osisioma junction segment, Ururuka road Aba, Afor Ibeji/ Ubakala Umuahia, Stella Marris Catholic Church, etc got N1,035,000,000.

“Ferrotex Construction Company for Aba-Owerri road (Railway junction-Brass junction segment) Aba, Obohia Road Aba, Opobo Junction-Ukpakiri Ogbor-Hill Aba, Uratta Ugwuati, Itungwa, Rehabilitation of failed Ururuka got N1,500,000,000.

“⁠Shannah Jardon Construction Company for Okigwe Road Aba, Milverton Road Aba, Cemetery-Eziukwu Road Aba got N450,000,000. Ecklean: Osusu road Aba-N 200 000,000, Cosmos Construction Company for Immaculate Avenue Umungasi Aba got N150,000,000 while Setraco/Hartland for Port Harcourt road got N1,000,000,000.”

Further details go thus, “⁠Rockwaters for Ohanku Road Aba, Okpu Umuobo Aba got N650,000,000, MOW for Ebenma Street Aba and Ovom street Aba got N1, 130,000,000. Zubbalco for MBUBO Umuakwu got N200,000,000.”

Other details show that Tunnel End Construction Company got N780,000,000 for the construction of Umuene-Obikabia, Umuojima-umuokiri- Ekeakpara, umuakatawom-Eziama-Ohanze while Paceo Carretera company got -N312,000,000 for the construction of Agalaba Ring road in Obingwa.

From the same details, it shows that ⁠Delhope Construction Company got N557,000,000 for the construction of Umuobiakwa-Owo road Obingwa, Federal Medical Centre internal road, Aba Road Umuahia (GG-shoprite).

It was also gathered that MOW construction got N325,000,000 for the construction of
Umuobiakwa internal roads, umuobiakwa (Gov) roads, Mbawsi internal roads and desilting of Aba big gutter while ⁠⁠BOK construction got -N100,000,000 for the construction of Agbama Ring road Umuahia.

“Crystalkleen Construction for York/Jubilee/Nicholas street Aba got N30,000,000, Pumeco Construction for Aba road (Uchenna/ShopRite) Umuahia, Zero portholes in Umuahia roads got N353, 000,000, while Yodel construction for Afrata road, Umuahia got N100,000,000.

“⁠E&P for Trinity College Road Umuahia got N60,000,000 and Obitex Development Company Ltd for construction of Ohuhu road from Isiokata, diversion from the gully erosion at isiokata to Umuawa Ohuhu to Nkwoegwu got N125,000,000.”

More details provided show that Smutedge Company got N200,000,000 for the rehabilitation of failed portions of Umuikaa-umuenne, Pacon Company got N12,000,000.00 for completion of drains at
Ozuomba/Ohazu road.

“MOW company for Zero pot holes(Aba) got N 100,000,000, Charbel Company for Government house got 400,000,00 and the State Ministry of Public Utilities got N100,000,000 for Streetlights.”
He, however, explained that the list containing the tranche payments was not exhaustive as those were the only ones in his personal Exco note that he kept during meetings.
He said that it is also true that other tranche payments were made from other sources, stressing that the Ministry of Works led by Elder Bob Ogu and the Ministry of Finance led by Dr Aham Uko back then, should be able to supply a more comprehensive list to what he was saying.
Okiyi-Kalu further revealed that Ferotex Construction Company, as one of the reputable indigenous construction companies with anti-graft agencies’ clearance was selected by the Ikpeazu administration as lead company in the “contractor financier” arrangements with UBA.
He said that the above-mentioned arrangement, the “contractor financier” arrangement was not alien within the public sector, alleging that a similar arrangement was entered into by the Otti’s government with Craneburg Construction Company for N50bn facility earmarked for “various roads”.
He explained that such lead companies are more or less consultants that would receive the bulk amount and pay other road contractors as banks would not likely agree to enter into multiple agreements with all the contractors.

He said that Otti’s claim that he got the top three audit firms in the world to do the forensic audit was untrue, as his top three audit firms have failed to follow the money as expected of any audit firm, even the least ones, adding that a serious audit investigation would simply seek to establish if the allocated funds got to the companies and also if the contractors did the work.
According to Kalu, “Those who claim that there was need for “virement” may be speaking out of ignorance in this case. The road projects were already in our approved 2020 budget, hence no need for further house approval.
“All state revenues are expected to be used to fund state budget and from the time we had approval to spend on the roads instead of Airport there is, no further need for legislative approval.”
“For the further education of those who verbalize terms they do not understand, “virement” is the process of transferring items from one financial account to another. In this case, the airport project and the road projects must both be in the 2020 budget before you can execute virement.

News

Bende federal constituency: Anyaso succumbs to pressure, declares for 2027

Published

1 day ago

April 29, 2026

csunews

Says, “my time has come”

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

In response to the several calls by well wishes and brethren from Bende federal constituency, Dr. Chima Anyaso had finally offered himself to contest for the 2027 general elections for Bende.

Pressures intensified for him to run for the seat at weekend has intensified calls for Chima Anyaso with many describing him as the preferred choice to lead a new era of representation.

At the gathering of political leaders, stakeholders, and community influencers across the constituency, the focus was on the need for someone like him to replicate the ongoing transformation seen in Abia State under Governor Alex Otti.

Speakers pointed to visible improvements in governance and infrastructure, stressing that Bende must not be left behind in the state’s development drive

Amid those calls for him to contest, Dr. Anyaso quenched the thirst of the people by declaring readiness and resolve to throw his heart into the ring.

“Across Abia, we are witnessing what focused, competent leadership can achieve real results, real transformation. Bende must not be left behind,” he said.

He said, “I am fully prepared to deliver clean, quality, and effective representation for our people. If entrusted with the mandate, I will not disappoint,”

The businessman-turned-political described the moment as both timely and decisive, hinting strongly at a potential bid.

“The time for excellence is now. The time for Bende is now. It is my season,” he declared.

Observers say the development signals a shift in Bende’s political landscape, as influential voices rally behind Anyaso, urging him to translate his growing support base into a formal candidacy.

News

LP Abia state Congress: New leadership team takes charge as Azubuike, Iroegbu, others emerge

Published

5 days ago

April 25, 2026

csunews

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

As a precursor to the national convention coming up in a few days time, the Labour party in Abia State under the Nenadi Usman led executive has unveiled a new state working committee.

The Congress which took place at the party’s state secretariat in Umuahia attracted party chieftains, national assembly members, national secretary of the party and members of the state executive council.

Before officials of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and the organising committee, names of the new executive were announced with positions and thereafter the delegates affirmed through a voice vote acclaimed their positions.

The chairman of the state organising committee, Hon. Achọ Obiọma in his opening remarks, disclosed that the party had adopted a grassroots method which allows members to choose their preferred officers themselves and present a common front.

Governor Alex Otti congratulated the new SWC and urged members to work in unison. He said that it was the time to pursue a common goal from the same approach.

The governor commended the outgoing chairman, Emma Otti who he said “stood in the gap” when the party was in turmoil in the state. He equally encouraged him not to abandon the party now as more assignments could be given to him in future to execute.

The new chairman , Mr. Peter Azubuike thanked the party faithful for reposing such trust in them and assured of delivering positive results in 2027.

During an interview with journalists, the chairman who spoke tough said he would leverage the success of the party in governance to secure more wins in 2027.

“The truth is that we’re already starting on a good note. We have a good governor and the state is already on its high-rising. As for the party, what we will do is to support the government to ensure that we retain the seat come 2027 and I can assure you it’s not under probability whether we will or not.

“As for the government house come 2027, Labour party is already seated there, that’s one assurance we can give you, he said.

The chairman continued, “As to what we’re bringing new to the party, we’re going to bring in more energy, bring in vigour, we’re going to do serious membership drive to ensure that if there are aspects of Abia that are not yet captured by the labour party, we ensure we go into every nook and cranny of the state to make sure we capture it, he said.

“

He further dismissed the All progressives Congress as a viable opposition party, saying they’re only pretending in the state to negotiate for a benefit from president Bola Tinubu.

“The only place APC exists outside Abia is Abuja. In Abia, I can assure you that if we even want to count opposition’s, APC is not even the first, they’re not even the second. For those who can actually attest to the realities on ground, they will let you know clearly that some of those who portray themselves as opposition maybe under the guise of APC, they’re doing that probably to see what they can get from Mr. President.

“I can assure you that this is no longer time for merchandising politics. Abians know fully well that Abia is Labour party,” he said.

On the lingering leadership tussle at the national level, Mr. Azubuike said the party was not in trouble anymore in the party as their issued had been resolved.

“I can tell you we used to have crisis in Labour party , but as at today, we’re no longer having crisis, the party has been fully recovered,” he concluded.

The national convention of the party is scheduled for the 28th of April, 2026 at the International Conference Centre, in Umuahia, Abịa State.

News

“Advocacy is my greatest achievement as Reps member“ – Aguocha

Published

2 weeks ago

April 14, 2026

csunews

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Member of house of Representatives for Ikwuano Umuahia federal constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha has said that his strongest and biggest impact is in his ability to speak up when others choose look away.

He said his stance on the jailed leader of indigenous people of Biafra has not and will not change for some reasons.

Hon. Aguocha while answering questions from bloggers in his country home in Nkwoegwu Ohuhu in Umuahia North local government area of Abia said that having been classmates with Mazi Kanu in primary and secondary schools and their late parents being friends, he is tied to the case.

“My advocacy is that kanu and 720 Igbos in detention are given fair hearing,” he said.

Hon. Aguocha stated that he was able to question the administration of criminal justice in the country through the case recalling how Sunday Igboho was freed when his people rallied round him.

He said he didn’t regret speaking up and would continue until he regained freedom,adding that he had lost a lot as a result.

“If majority of the people have done 10% of my efforts for Nnamdi Kanu, the situation would have been easier.

“People just ignored Kanu. The yorubas never abandoned Igboho Sunday and this is what we have failed to do.

“I have spoken out in his favour. We were classmates at Library Avenue primary school where the government house is now and classmates at government college, Umuahia and have family ties with him.

“Nnamdi has confidence in me to speak for his release. I have lost a lot calling for his release. I like what my governor has done. I will keep speaking on it,” he said.

Continuing he said “God has given me a platform I didn’t deserve to represent a people. There’s no rule book as to how I do it. I’m resourceful.

When asked if he was a member of IPOB, he responded in the negative.“I’m not an IPOB member but I believe in their ideology of Biafra which is a mindset.

If it’s about giving equal opportunities to Igbos, then I’m for it. We deserve a seaport, railway system……. ……..agitations will continue because of marginalisation,” he added.

He equally said he didn’t see the organisation as a terrorist bodyThe reps member also disclosed that he believed more in empowerment of greater impact which is education more than providing tricycles and motorbikes to his constituents.

He said that in the coming days, he would unveil his scorecard in over three years of representation for his constituency to assess him.According to him, some people had represented the constituency but lacked knowledge of the areas and their needs.

On what he thinks about deputy speaker Ben Kalu’s perceived gubernatorial aspiration, the federal legislator said that it was within his rights as a citizen to aspire for any position.“Hon. Ben kalu is entitled to his aspirations whether as a legislator or for governor.

I don’t believe there’s a vacancy in the state. The people have seen the good works the governor has done. The people will be the ones to decide.

He also posited that his party-Labour party did not have a leadership crisis and assured that he was not moving to any other political party.

On whether he entertained fears of his supposed opponents, he said they should secure tickets first from their parties, saying he had an edge over them as someone who had verifiable footprints in representation which wasn’t available prior to 2023 general election.