Abia State Governor Alex Otti, has once again called on his predecessor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, to either refund ₦10 billion purportedly spent on an airport project or hand over the completed facility to the people of Abia State.
The governor’s renewed demand has stirred fresh debates in the state, with many residents viewing it as a continuation of efforts to ensure accountability in the use of public funds.
Abia Governor Alex Otti maintains that a forensic audit revealed the sum was withdrawn from state coffers in 2020 for an airport project that never materialised. Speaking on the matter, Governor Otti reiterated his stance: “We are simply asking for our money back or for the airport to be delivered.
The choice is clear.” He stressed that his administration remains committed to recovering every kobo belonging to Abians, adding that the focus is on restitution rather than endless litigation.
The controversy began when a KPMG-conducted audit, commissioned after Otti assumed office in 2023, flagged the ₦10 billion payment made to a construction firm in September 2020—before the Abia State House of Assembly approved the project the following month.
Critics argue the sequence raises serious questions about due process.The Ikpeazu administration has consistently defended the transaction, explaining that plans for the airport were shelved following consultations with traditional rulers who advised prioritising road infrastructure, given the proximity of functional airports in neighbouring Imo and Akwa Ibom states.
Officials from the previous government insist the funds were lawfully redirected to complete several road projects, many of which remain visible across the state.Despite these explanations, Governor Otti has stood firm, describing the missing airport as a symbol of past mismanagement.
The issue gained additional attention recently amid reports of Ikpeazu’s nomination for a diplomatic role, prompting public outcry over alleged impunity. Meanwhile, the Abia Governor Alex Otti-led government is making steady progress on its own aviation initiative.
In partnership with the federal government, construction work has begun on a new international cargo and passenger airport in Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area. The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, marked a significant milestone, with the governor promising completion within two years.
Land compensation for affected communities is ongoing, while access roads and other preparatory works are advancing rapidly. The project is seen by many as evidence of Otti’s determination to deliver tangible infrastructure where previous plans fell short.
As the back-and-forth continues, residents remain divided. Some applaud the governor’s transparency drive and insistence on accountability, while others urge both parties to prioritise development over political disputes.
What is undisputed is that Abia State now has a realistic chance of owning a functional airport under the current administration. Whether the ₦10 billion saga will lead to recovery or further legal battles remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly reinforced public demand for greater fiscal responsibility in governance.
For now, all eyes are on Nsulu, where cranes and workers signal a new chapter in Abia’s infrastructure story—one built on delivery rather than controversy.