Apex Igbo Socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, has dismissed reports emanating from various media houses regarding the alleged 40 billion expenditure by former Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazi on a cancelled Airport project.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo categorically states that the allegations are baseless and serve as a tool for deceit orchestrated by fifth columnists and merchants of fake news, to mislead the unsuspecting general public.
In a statement signed on Friday Ohanaeze’s Secretary-general, Mazi Okechukwu lsiguzoro, said it is important to clarify that there was never a time from 2015 to 2023, when the then Abia State Government, under the leadership of Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, spent 40billion naira on any airport project.
According to the statement, during the period, the Ikpeazu administration earmarked only 10 billion for the commencement of a proposed Abia Airport project and did not spend 40 billion as alleged in some quarters.
The statement stated that a few days after the announcement, Traditional Rulers in Abia State, led by their then Chairman, His Royal Majesty, Eze Joseph Nwabakee, along with prominent Igbo elders and Ohanaeze Ndigbo leaders, visited the former Governor at the Government House, Unuahia.
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It noted that at the visit, the traditional rulers and Igbo elders strongly advised the lkpeazu to prioritize the development of socio-economically important roads, such as Faulks Road in Aba leading to Ariaria International Market, and other roads across Abia State.
The Igbo organisation added that lkpeazu, the former governor, in his wisdom and for public interest in the advice, promptly cancelled the proposed Airport Project and redirected the allocated funds toward the delivery of 260 roads under his watch as Governor.
“Ohanaeze unequivocally clears Former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu from the allegations of misappropriating 40 billion naira on the Abia Airport Project. The decision to prioritize essential infrastructure projects in Abia State, as advised by the traditional rulers and Igbo elders, demonstrates the former Governor’s commitment to the socio-economic development and welfare of the people.
The body called on the general public to be wary of false narratives and malicious attempts to tarnish the image of Igbo leaders and urged everyone to verify information from credible sources before propagating such.
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