“Abia Governor Alex Otti Alleges ₦9.8 Billion Fraud in Port Harcourt Road Project Under Predecessor”

Aba, Nigeria – Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has reignited political tensions in the state with a damning accusation against his predecessor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu. Speaking on Wednesday at Umuagbai Secondary School in Aba during a thanksgiving and community carnival, Otti alleged that the previous administration paid a staggering ₦9.8 billion to a contractor for the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road—a project that, according to him, was never delivered.

The event, organized by the Aba community to celebrate the completion of Port Harcourt Road and other development projects under Otti’s leadership, also served as a platform for the governor to address what he called the “noisemakers” from the past government who have criticized his administration’s expenditure.

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Unveiling the Allegation: Naira Spent, No Road Delivered

“In 2017, they awarded this Port Harcourt Road project for ₦9.8 billion,” Otti declared. “And they paid out the entire money. But the road was not done.” He claimed the funds vanished without a trace of the promised infrastructure.

The governor went further, converting the 2017 value of the amount to U.S. dollars for context, citing the exchange rate at the time. “The average exchange rate in 2017 was ₦333 to a Dollar. So, the ₦9.8 billion was actually USD29 million equivalent,” he explained, stressing the enormity of the alleged fraud.

His comments were aimed at critics who questioned the cost of the road under his administration, which stands at ₦36.5 billion in 2025. Otti dismissed their criticisms as insincere and politically motivated, noting that the inflation and currency devaluation between 2017 and 2025 are crucial variables they fail to acknowledge.

Aba Uplifted Amidst Scars of the Past

The completed Port Harcourt Road, now a point of pride for the Abia State government, represents what many in Aba see as a turning point in the region’s infrastructure development. Decades of neglect, flooding, and impassable roads had made the commercial city a symbol of decay. Otti, elected on a wave of reformist enthusiasm, has made reviving Aba a centerpiece of his administration.

Community members at the thanksgiving carnival praised the governor for what they called a “rescue mission” in Aba. In addition to the Port Harcourt Road, the state has launched and completed other road projects aimed at improving trade, transportation, and urban living standards.

Transparency and Technology: A Modern Touch

During his address, Otti also revealed that the state has procured 20 electric buses, which are expected to be deployed in the next two months. This move, he said, aligns with Abia’s transition towards cleaner and more efficient transportation systems. “These buses will not only ease movement for our people but will also help us reduce the environmental impact of urban transport,” he said.

The rollout is expected to enhance the city’s public transport system, a sector long marred by congestion and inefficiency. The initiative also complements other digitization and automation reforms in Otti’s governance strategy aimed at improving transparency and service delivery.

A Model of Integrity: Keke Driver Honored

Highlighting a positive story from within the community, Governor Otti also recognized and rewarded a keke (tricycle) driver who returned ₦2.4 million forgotten by a passenger. The governor praised the driver for his honesty, stating that such acts reflect the values Abia aspires to instill across all sectors.

“This is the Abia we are building—a society where integrity is celebrated, and honesty is not an exception but a norm,” Otti said, as he presented the driver with a reward for his exemplary conduct.

Ikpeazu Camp Yet to Respond

As of the time of this report, former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has not issued a formal response to the allegations made by Governor Otti. However, analysts anticipate a heated exchange may follow, especially given the serious nature of the financial misconduct claims.

Otti’s bold assertion is likely to deepen political rivalries in the state, especially as preparations for local government elections and future state contests gather momentum.

With his administration focused on infrastructure, transparency, and modern governance, Alex Otti is positioning himself as a new kind of leader for Abia—one willing to confront the ghosts of the past while laying the groundwork for a more credible and development-focused future.