Chief John Okiyi Kalu, a former Commissioner and Special Adviser in Abia State, has rebutted Governor Alex Otti’s recent allegations of fraud and mismanagement during the tenure of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
Governor Otti had claimed that the state government house was incomplete at the end of the Ikpeazu administration. Responding in an interview with ARISE NEWS, Kalu clarified that the governor’s residence was intentionally left unfinished so that future occupants could furnish it to their preference.
“I personally oversaw the furnishing of the office spaces,” Kalu explained. “Dr. Ikpeazu believed each governor should design their residential quarters as they see fit.”
Kalu criticized Governor Otti for choosing to upgrade his private home in Nvosi with public funds rather than complete the official residence, calling it a misuse of resources.
On financial matters, he questioned Otti's claim of reducing the state’s ₦192 billion debt by ₦70 billion, asking for transparency on who was paid. He also accused the administration of using "smart accounting" to misrepresent debt repayments, particularly in how it handled pension arrears.
Kalu further alleged that valuable medical equipment purchased for a yet-to-be-completed specialist hospital in Aba was left unprotected and has since been vandalized or moved.
In defending the previous administration, Kalu highlighted infrastructure achievements under Ikpeazu, including road construction, street lighting, schools, general hospitals, and a 24/7 health call center linked to 700 primary health facilities.
His remarks underscore ongoing political tensions in Abia State as both current and former officials trade accusations over governance and accountability.
