‘They Started Pouring Libations After Losing Access to State Funds’ — Otti Speaks on Recovered Abia Assets

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has disclosed that his administration has recovered several government-owned lands, vehicles, and other public assets allegedly diverted into private hands by officials of previous administrations in the state.

The governor also claimed that some individuals who were cut off from access to government resources have now resorted to spiritual activities, including the pouring of libations, against his administration out of frustration.

Otti made the remarks on Friday in Umuahia during the May edition of his monthly media chat with journalists, where he addressed issues surrounding governance, asset recovery, and accountability in the state.

According to the governor, his administration launched investigations into government assets shortly after assuming office and discovered that several state properties had been unlawfully acquired or converted for personal use by individuals connected to past governments.

He stated that many of the recovered assets include landed properties and official vehicles allegedly taken over illegally by former public office holders and their associates.

“We have recovered a lot of stolen assets, especially lands from people who acquired them illegally,” Otti said during the media interaction.

The governor explained that the recovered vehicles were not sold or auctioned but instead reassigned to ministries, departments, and government agencies to improve public service operations.

According to him, the decision was part of efforts to ensure prudent management of state resources while restoring assets belonging to the people of Abia State.

Otti further revealed that some individuals affected by the recovery exercise had taken legal action against the state government in a bid to reclaim the assets.

“Some of them have approached the court and we have met them there,” he added, indicating that the government was prepared to defend its actions legally.

The governor also alleged that several people who previously benefited from state funds and questionable asset acquisitions have now been blocked from accessing government property and financial privileges.

Speaking on criticisms and attacks directed at his administration, Otti claimed that some disgruntled individuals had turned to spiritual practices after allegedly losing influence and access to public funds.

“When you see some people complaining and pouring libations, you discover their mouths have been removed from the feeding bottle,” the governor said.

His comments have since sparked conversations within political circles in Abia State, especially as his administration continues its anti-corruption and asset recovery campaign targeted at what it describes as years of misuse of public resources.

Since assuming office, Otti has repeatedly promised to restore transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline in the management of Abia State resources, while insisting that public assets must be returned to government control for the benefit of residents.