Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has clarified that the Judicial Panel of Inquiry set up to probe government assets, funds, and related matters was never intended as a tool for witch-hunting.
The governor gave the assurance at his country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South, on Tuesday, while receiving the final report of the panel presented by its chairperson, Hon. Justice Florence Duroha-Igwe (retd).
Governor Otti stressed that the essence of the panel was to establish clarity on what transpired in the past, especially since there was no proper handover process. He noted that concerns raised by many citizens made it necessary to open up investigations.
“This has nothing to do with witch-hunting or scapegoating. We just needed to know what happened. Proper handover was not done, and there were genuine concerns that had to be addressed. We take this report very seriously and will continue to ensure that the right thing is done,” Otti said.
The governor emphasized that his administration remains committed to accountability and transparency. According to him, Abia will lose nothing by insisting that due process and fairness guide every decision taken in government.
Presenting the panel’s findings, Justice Duroha-Igwe revealed that out of 350 petitions and memoranda submitted, 278 were heard and concluded. She added that, on the governor’s directive, the panel went back to address the remaining 72 petitions so that no Abian would be denied the opportunity to be heard.
Governor Otti assured that all issues highlighted in the report would be thoroughly examined and addressed in line with the state’s commitment to justice and good governance.
