By Foster Obi

True to his words to give the state the right image and standing, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, yesterday, inaugurated a five-member judicial panel.

The panel members are Justice Ikwuoma Duruoha-Igwe (retired) as Chairman; former Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, Prof. Ogwo Ekeoma Ogwo; professor of Mathematics at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Ursula Ngozi Akanwa; Financial expert, Ugochukwu Okoroafor and Rev. Fr Alex Okonkwo.

The panel was given the mandate to receive and examine complaints and memoranda from individuals and corporate entities on looting and/or conversion of government properties, funds and related matters.

To, where necessary, make recommendations for remedial measures or any other measures as appropriate.

To examine and ascertain whether government moveable and immovable assets, as well as funds or part of them, have been illegally acquired, occupied and/or converted to private use, identify the persons responsible and make recommendations for recovery and appropriate sanctions.

Today on Twitter, Governor Otti wrote: Honored to inaugurate the Judicial Panel focused on the recovery of Abia State’s assets. Ordinarily, the desire of this administration would have been to focus on the business of governance and the delivering of the dividend of democracy, without resorting to any form of inquiry into past deeds.

However, in response to large-scale allegations of misuse and misappropriation of public resources by former officials, a very hostile handover with many assets inaccessible and operations starting from ground zero, public lands and institutions, including schools were not spared from conversion to private use, emphasizing the need for enquiry and accountability as advocated by our citizens.”

Readers were highly elated at this expected move.

Jackson Ude wrote, “I told you this from the day you were announced Governor-elect. This is the best news ever!

Bolanle A. responded, “Fantastic move. “

Onyeani Kalu responded, “Long Over Due. Deal with them mr Governor, you have our total support. “

Obasi Chibueze said, “Keep up the good work sir. “

Barri M tweeted, “Let’s get Abia misused assets back.” And many more.

About 5326 people liked the tweet while over 1300 retweeted it.

Governor Otti had noted while inaugrating the panel that the state government, since assumption of office a month ago, had been inundated with complaints of large-scale malfeasance by highly placed members of the past administration.

Picture: Members of the panel with the Governor