Abia Governor Denies ‘Witch-Hunting’ with Property Panel

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has dismissed claims that the Judicial Panel of Inquiry set up to recover government properties is a tool for political witch-hunting. The governor made the statement on Tuesday after receiving the final report of the panel, led by Hon. Justice Florence Duroha-Igwe (retd).

Speaking at his country home in Nvosi, Otti clarified that the panel was not established to engage in “scape-goatism.” He explained that the move was necessitated by the “very hostile handover situation” he met upon assuming office, which left his administration “groping” and unable to access vital government properties and resources.

“Setting up the panel has nothing to do with witch-hunting or scape-goatism. We just needed to know what happened,” Governor Otti said. “A lot of people had concerns, and those concerns needed to be investigated.”

The governor assured the public that his administration would take the report seriously and act on all issues raised. Justice Duroha-Igwe, while presenting the report, disclosed that the panel received 350 petitions and was able to hear and conclude on 278, adding that the governor had graciously extended their mandate to ensure no Abian was left unheard. Governor Otti praised the panel’s thoroughness and vowed that his government would continue to insist on due process and justice.