The Abia State Government has expressed its determination to challenge the ex-parte order that restrained it from probing former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and officials who served in his administration.
Okey Kanu, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, made the announcement during a briefing at the Government House in Umuahia.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia had inaugurated the Abia State Panel of Inquiry for Recovery of Government Property and Funds with the mandate to recover allegedly looted government property and funds from the previous administration.
However, Mr. Ikpeazu and three others filed an ex-parte motion in the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to halt the panel’s probe until the determination of the substantive originating motion.
The commissioner described the move by the former governor as “laughable” and expressed concerns over the attempt to obstruct the panel’s work. He stressed that the state’s legal team is determined to challenge the court order, as it is seen as an unwarranted interference in the affairs of the state.
Mr. Kanu emphasized that if accused of infractions, the best course of action is to face the allegations and prove innocence rather than seek to halt the panel’s investigation.
He further criticized the former governor’s actions, stating that obtaining an ex-parte order from the court in Abuja amounts to undue interference in the state’s affairs, and expressed confidence that such interference would not stand.
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