Alex Otti
Otti issues ultimatum to Ikpeazu’s appointees in possession of govt properties
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
Abia State government has given government officials illegally in possession of government properties up till Tuesday, June 6, 2023, to return them or face the weight of the law.
The ultimatum was issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, through a statement he issued in Umuahia at the weekend.
“It has come to the knowledge of the State Government that some Government officials, including appointees of the past administration, are still holding on to Government properties, such as vehicles, generators, laptops and other assets.
“Anyone who is in possession of Government properties is hereby directed to return such to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, on or before 4pm on Tuesday, June 6th, 2023, and obtain necessary acknowledgement from the SSG’s Office.
“Please note that failure to comply with this directive will attract sanctions,” Kalu warned in the three-paragraph statement.
Recall that while receiving his Certificate of Return in March, the state governor, Dr. Alex Otti, had warned politicians and civil servants not to indulge in looting government properties.
But in the run-up to Otti’s swearing in on Monday, May 29, 2023, reports of widespread looting of government properties in Government House and other offices were rife, with the then Governor-elect warning those involved to return them and warning of dire consequences for anyone caught.
