Geometric Power Saga: Clash Between Former and Current Governors’ Allies Escalates Over 5% Stake Claims

Following the recent commissioning of the Geometric Power project in Osisioma by President Bola Tinubu, Abia State has become the battleground for a heated verbal dispute between loyalists of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and the current Governor, Alex Otti.

The focal point of contention is the alleged 5% stake in Geometric Power, claimed to have been acquired by Okezie Ikpeazu on behalf of the Abia State government. Ikpeazu’s aides, including John Okiyi Kalu, Onyebuchi Ememanka, Enyinnaya Appolos, Chinonye Mba, and Don Ubani, insist that the Otti administration should confirm this investment.

According to Ikpeazu’s camp, during the former governor’s tenure, Abia State acquired a 5% stake in Geometrics worth $5 million, with approximately $3.6 million already paid, constituting around 71% of the total. They criticize the current government and Geometrics Chairman, Professor Barth Nnaji, for allegedly not acknowledging Ikpeazu’s administration’s contributions to the power project.

Former Commissioner John Okiyi Kalu further alleged on social media that a road contract was awarded for a road already completed during Ikpeazu’s term, challenging the Abia State Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate the investment in Geometric.

In response, Governor Otti’s media aides, including Ferdinand Ekeoma and Dodoh Okafor, deny the reported investments, claiming no documentation was handed over by Ikpeazu to the present administration. Ekeoma accuses the former governor of deploying aides to attack Otti’s government, asserting that the opposition party, PDP, is envious of Otti’s achievements in the Geometric power project.

Ekeoma dismisses the former administration’s actions as “primitive propaganda and rehearsed image laundering,” emphasizing Otti’s commitment to progress despite distractions.

Governor Otti, in an interview with Channels TV, acknowledges awareness of the ongoing media dispute regarding the alleged 5% investment. He notes Ikpeazu’s involvement in signing a loan agreement but clarifies that the government did not guarantee the loan. Otti directs his finance commissioner and the Accountant General to investigate the claimed 5% equity investment, asserting that Geometric is better positioned to respond to specific arguments.