Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has affirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability to foster development throughout the state.
Governor Otti stated this during a visit from the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, led by its Chairman, Mr. Bamidele Salam as part of their oversight visit to the state.
The Governor who stated that his administration is dedicated to being answerable to the public, emphasized that as a responsive government, accountability is paramount.
He reiterated that achieving a new Abia requires responsibility and assured continuous efforts to uphold integrity and justify public confidence.
Governor Otti who highlighted the importance of accountability in governance, noted that the initiation of a forensic audit, revealed gross misappropriation of state funds by the immediate past administration.
“When we came in slightly less than a year ago, we thought that in the spirit of accountability, that we should set up a forensic audit on the activities of our predecessor. We are not interested in witch-hunting, we just needed to know where we were and how our resources in the last few years were used.
“At least we can hold ourselves and our predecessor to account, our predecessor should hold his predecessor. I think that’s the way it goes and when the result came out, mind bulging revelations were made and we are still struggling with some of them.
“There is no responsibility without accountability. By the time I hand over to my successor I expect him as a matter of importance to also set up a forensic audit on my administration and then come up with a report and that is accountability”, Gov Otti stated.
Earlier, Mr. Bamidele Salam, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, clarified that their visit was not a witch hunt but a routine exercise to ensure public funds are used appropriately in adherence to principles of transparency and accountability.
While lauding Governor Otti for his longstanding support for public accounts and transparency in governance, Mr Salam commended the Governor for fulfilling the expectations of people and demonstrating readiness for leadership.
The House Committee Chairman noted that Governor Otti has positively brought Abia into the spotlight and described him as a leader who has redefined governance and introduced innovation.
“Everything you have done since you assumed this office has shown that you actually prepared to govern Abia state in a manner that makesthe state to enable it fulfills God’s purpose”, the House Committee Chairman noted.
