By Blessing Imagbenikaro
April 26, 2024
A prominent figure within the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Chikwe Udensi, has issued a stern warning to Governor Alex Otti regarding accusations of corruption against his predecessor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.
Udensi’s remarks came after Otti’s claims of financial mismanagement during a public lecture in the United States.
Otti alleged that a forensic audit commissioned by his administration revealed misappropriation of N107 billion under the Ikpeazu regime, including payments made to contractors for non-existent projects. Udensi, however, cautioned against such accusations without concrete evidence to back them up.
Expressing his concerns, Udensi emphasized the necessity of transparency and accountability in governance. He urged Otti to release the full report of the forensic audit in order to substantiate the claims, warning that mixing legitimate accomplishments with unsubstantiated allegations could undermine the credibility of the administration.
You dont just make one audit and then announce it as forensic, no. If youre accusing somebody, the record of the accuser must be in consonant with your own records before it becomes forensic. Im a fellow of that Institute, Chartered Institute of Forensic Investigation, and I know how it works. You must give us records the way they are so that we can hold the Government to account, Udensi said.
“Let me give you an example, why this is very important, if youre doing a good job, and suddenly you start mixing the good job youre doing with some lies, when these lies come out, youll lose pathos. Youll lose the sympathy of the people. Youll lose the love people have for you and thats why Im concerned about this Government. Theyre doing marvelously very well in the area of Infrastructure and the people love them,” he said.
Regarding the handling of the alleged embezzlement, Udensi highlighted the need for a thorough investigation and adherence to due process. He questioned the validity of conducting investigations in the United States for crimes allegedly committed in Abia State, emphasizing the importance of following established legal procedures.
Mr Udensi, drawing from his expertise as a forensic investigator, pointed out the discrepancies in labeling an audit as “forensic” without ensuring the alignment of audit records, emphasizing the importance of factual accuracy in such matters.
Furthermore, he criticized what he termed as “media persecution” instead of judicial prosecution, stressing the fundamental principle of innocence until proven guilty. Udensi pointed out the significance of presenting factual evidence before making accusations that could tarnish reputations and undermine justice.
“We must do whats right. What were doing today by accusing people without going to court and without showing what theyve done is wrong and unacceptable for people like me. It may be acceptable to some other persons because we all have our various opinions and procedures. We must do things rightly,” he said.
While acknowledging the administration’s infrastructure development efforts, Udensi urged for honesty and transparency in all governmental actions.
“Before you come to talk to the people, you must have gotten your facts right. Youre doing a good job in infrastructure, continue the good job youre doing, but tell us the truth. We cannot accept any lies from anybody, he said.
He also cited instances of inconsistencies in official statements and budgetary allocations, calling for clarity and factual presentation of information to the public.
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The Nigerian Observer is a daily newspaper published in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, since 1968 by the Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL) and is owned by the Edo State Government
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