Borno-based Abia Indigenes Petition Otti, ICPC Over Alleged Flood Fund Misuse

A group of Abia indigenes resident in Maiduguri , the Borno State capital, has petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Governor Alex Otti over alleged mismanagement of Borno flood relief funds meant for Abia indigenes.

The group alleged that the funds, which runs into millions of naira and were released to alleviate the suffering of victims of the flood disaster, were siphoned through the collusion between some executive members of the Abia State Community Association in Borno and the handlers of the funds.

As a result, many genuine victims of the flood did not benefit from the assistance meant for them.

The petition alleges systemic corruption, lack of transparency, and accountability in the management and disbursement of the funds.

The group said it has also approached other agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in demanding accountability and disclosure of the total amount sent by Governor Otti to the people of Abia in Borno during the flood.

The September 2024 floods, which occurred in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, left a trail of destruction, displacing thousands of people and causing widespread damage to property.

In the petition letter by the group which was read to newsmen on Saturday in Maiduguri, the spokesman for the petitioners, Mr Ogugua Charles Ibeabuchi, said they want the governor who magnanimously donated the money to know that the total of the amount approved and released by his administration during the flood was not disclosed to the people before disbursement.

The spokesman added that the official channel through which the funds were disbursed was not disclosed, adding that the criteria used in selecting the beneficiaries did not follow proper process .

He said official list of individuals who were approved to receive the money was not known by members before disbursement.

” Your Excellency , this request for investigation of the disbursement of the flood funds by your administration to Abia indigenes in Borno is made in good faith, and in the sincere hope that transparency will help restore confidence and unity among Abia Indigenes residing in Maiduguri.

“We strongly believe that your administration, which is widely known for its commitment to transparency and accountability, will not condone any form of mismanagement or diversion of funds meant for vulnerable citizens.

“We, therefore, respectfully appeal for your urgent intervention to ensure that justice is done, and that genuine victims of the flood receive the assistance intended for them,” the petition read.