Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has inaugurated a five man Judicial Panel of Inquiry on the Recovery of Government Property and Funds belonging to the State with Hon Justice Ikwuoma Duruoha-Igwe (rtd.) as Chairman.
Speaking while inaugurating the Panel at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Umuahia, Governor Otti said the essence of setting up the Panel was to ensure recovery of government funds and property that have been taken away.
Recall that the Governor had at various times issued stern warnings to those in possession of government property as his administration would spare no cost in bringing to book culprits who looted government properties and funds, vowing that the State’s resources would not be privatized under his watch.
Governor Otti appealed to the general public to support Members of the Panel with any information at their disposal that will help in the recovery of government properties and funds allegedly looted by the past administration.
According to the Governor, setting up of the Panel was necessitated by myriads of complaints from the public about looting of government property by some individuals adding that he has been inundated with petitions bordering on looting and maintained that it would amount to being insensitive to neglect the complaints which is affecting the daily running of government.
He said; “Ordinarily, the desire of this administration would have been to focus on the business of governance and the delivering of the dividend of democracy, without resorting to any form of inquiry into past deeds. Unfortunately, since our assumption of office, about a month ago, we have been inundated with complaints of unimaginable and large-scale malfeasance by very highly placed Members of the past government and their patrons.
“We have also experienced unbridled looting and misuse of government properties and resources. Besides, we have been experiencing difficulties in accessing government properties, which would usually be available to continue with the business of governance. As at now, so many MDAs find it very difficult to perform their day to day duties. Even public schools were not spared as part of their lands have been converted to private use.
“Let me reveal that this administration experienced a very hostile handover situation which made it very difficult for us to hit the ground running on the 29th of May, as we had anticipated. We therefore assumed office blindly and had to start practically from below ground zero. We are now discovering that the reason for the lack of cooperation might have arisen from widespread mischief by some of those who were given custody of our collective assets and welfare.
“It is for the foregoing reasons that we came to the conclusion that it would amount to being insensitive and reckless and encouraging bad behaviour, if our administration did not listen to the yearnings of those who elected us, by looking into their complaints. The government decided therefore to set up this Judicial Panel of Inquiry to ensure the recovery of government funds, lands and properties”.
The Governor named the Terms of Reference for the judicial panel to include;
“To receive and examine complaints and memoranda from individuals and corporate entities on the looting and or conversion of Government Properties, Funds and Related Matters and where necessary make recommendations to the government for remedial measures or any other measures as appropriate.
“Examine and ascertain whether government moveable and immovable assets and funds or part of it have been illegally acquired/occupied/converted to private use and identify the persons responsible and further make recommendations for recovery and appropriate sanctions.
“Ascertain the extent of allocation and revocation of land in Abia State from May 2015 – May 2023 and determine the propriety of such allocation and revocation.
Others include; “Review the award and execution of contracts from May 2015 to May 2023 and ascertain if they were in conformity with extant laws.
“To investigate any other matter incidental or related to the foregoing terms of reference and make recommendations to the government based on their findings.
He expressed optimism that Members of the Panel would live up to expectation and contribute to the task of rebuilding Abia State for the benefit of all citizens and residents.
In her response on behalf of other Members of the Panel, the Chairman, Rtd. Justice Florence Ikwuoma Duruoha-Igwe noted that setting up of the Panel of Inquiry is a positive step towards reverting the negative narratives of the State in the past as the exercise is not targeted at anybody.
Justice Duruoha-Igwe assured that the Panel would perform her assignment creditably without fear or favour and in line with the Terms of Reference as laid down by the Governor as well as submit to Government credible recommendations.
Continuing, Hon Justice Ikwuoma Duruoha-Igwe (rtd.) pledged that they would discharge their duties as quickly as possible to enable Abia State to move ahead. She said they would not carry on as if they have already targeted and branded anybody as guilty but however made public that they shall lay open their findings and make credible recommendations to the Governor and urged all persons with helpful information, memoranda and petitions to approach the Panel so that justice shall prevail in the State.
She, however, thanked the Governor for the opportunity to serve and pledged not to disappoint the people in the execution of their duties.
Other Members of the Panel are:
1. Prof. Ogwo Ekeoma Ogwo,
2. Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa,
3. Mazi Ugochukwu Okoroafor and
4. Rev. Father Barr Alex Okonkwo.
