By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has vowed to act swiftly and decisively on the findings of the Asset Recovery Panel of Inquiry set up by. the state Government.
The Source reports that retired Justice Florence Duruoha Igwe-led panel was constituted by the State in 2023 to carry out an inquest into alleged cases of diversion and illegal acquisitions of public properties, including public schools, health facilities and other public infrastructures by some Government officials and cronies in the past few years.
Receiving the final report of the panel on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Governor Otti affirmed that the establishment of the investigative committee was not borne out of the desire to witch hunt any one.
According to him, the over riding interest is for the Government to have an adequate knowledge of the people’s assets illegally acquired and diverted into private uses.
In a statement from his media aide, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Abia State Governor assured that his administration will accord the panel’s report all the attention it deserves.
Governor Otti informed that already, a white paper drafting committee has began work on the first part of the panel’s report submitted some months ago.
“Setting up this Judicial Panel of Inquiry has nothing to do with vendetta ,nor anything to do with scapegoating anyone.
“We just needed to know what happened. Like we have always insisted, there was no proper handover process by the immediate past administration in the State.
“So, we find ourselves at a very tight position, groping and trying to get information. Happily, that is in the past now as we have decided to move on, having done two years out of our four-year mandate.
” However, a lot of people had a lot of concerns over some issues, and we felt that in a democracy, they needed to be heard and possibly have their concerns addressed.
“So, the Committee on White Paper, I can attest, has been doing a lot of job on the first phase of the report submitted by the panel.
“This second and final report will also be forwarded to the Committee so that they can put all the issues in proper perspective for us as a Government to act on”, Governor Otti stated.
He appreciated the members of the panel for their dedication and commitment to duty even in the face of some challenges, particularly the increased number of petitions and memoranda received from the members of the public.
Earlier in her address, the Chairperson of the Panel Justice Duruoha-Igwe rtd, informed that out of a total of 350 petitions and memoranda received, the panel heard and concluded on 278 during the first phase of its sitting.
“Your Excellency, however, graciously directed that we return to work on the remaining 72 petitions and memoranda initially left unattended to.
She expressed gratitude to the Governor for the opportunity given to her and other members of the Panel to serve the State.
Discover more from The Source
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
