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 today at the Government House Umuahia, Governor Otti said the essence of setting up the panel was to ensure that all Government funds and properties forcefully taken away by previous administrations are recovered
The Governor outlined their Terms of Reference to include; receive and examine complaints and memoranda from individuals and other entities on the looting or conversion of Government properties, funds and related matters, and make recommendations for remedial measures or any other measure as appropriate.
To examine and ascertain whether Government’s moveable or immoveable assets and funds have been illegally acquired or occupied or converted to private use, and identify the person(s) responsible and make recommendations for appropriate sanctions
The Governor said the panel was to also ascertain the extent of allocations and revocations of lands in Abia State from May 2015 to May, 2023 and determine the propriety of such allocation or revocation or otherwise. To Review the award and execution of contracts from May, 2015 to May 2023 and ascertain if they were in conformity with the extant laws.
Responding on behalf of other members, the Chairman, Justice Ikwuoma Duruoha-Igwe (rtd.) pledged to discharge their duties as quickly as possible to enable Abia State to move ahead.
She urged all persons with helpful information, memoranda and petitions to approach the panel to ensure justice prevailed in the State.
other members include: Prof. Ogwo Ekeoma Ogwo, Prof. Ngozi Akanwa, Mazi Ugochukwu Okoroafor and Rev. Alex Okonkwo.