Q1: Why was the Panel not set up immediately after the inauguration of Governor Alex C. Otti in late May?
Answer: The need to have a full grasp of the critical issues, undertake a preliminary assessment of the magnitude of the alleged theft and looting, and get helpful insights and revelations from insiders meant that the government needed to take its time, get its facts right and then decide an appropriate vehicle to drive the recovery efforts. In summary, the need to make sure that there are legitimate and sufficient reasons to warrant deliberate efforts at recovery of what had been stolen meant that everything must be painstakingly thought through and guidance sought from those who have a good understanding of the issues.

Q2. Why is the government not interested in funds (allegedly) stolen under Messrs Orji Uzor Kalu and Theodore Orji; why is the frame of reference limited to just 2015 to 2023?
Answer: Government is clearly interested in recovering every penny stolen by elected and appointed government officials over the last 24 years. It is the conviction of the Dr. Alex Otti administration that stealing by public officials shortchanges Abians and recovering such stolen funds and material resources is the legitimate obligation of any business-minded government. At any rate, there must be a starting point in order to keep the panel focused and not be distracted in ways that the ultimate aim of the entire effort would be lost. The goal is to recover Abia's stolen funds and it would be necessary to start from the most recent, the ones that can be traced and tracked as quickly as possible. Things would continue to unfold and the government shall never fold its arms and allow those who became emergency billionaires and rich land owners at the expense of the public to sleep easy, except they quietly return what had been stolen, while that window is still open. The message: the government knows what it is doing. No efforts would be spared to ensure that all that had been stolen are recovered, over time.

Q3. Would the government not be distracted by the activities of this panel?
Answer: No. The panel's works would in no way interfer with the day to day operations of government. Members of the panel understand what is at stake and would not let their works get in the way of quality leadership by the new administration. That's for sure.

Q4. Would the government not influence the activities and decisions of the panel?
Answer: No way. The panel would operate as an independent body and would discharge its duties with dedication and sense of fairness to all. The members of the panel are accomplished individuals who have built strong reputation of independence and firmness over the length of their careers.

Q5. Can the panel members be bribed or blackmailed?
Answer: Don't dare. They would not. Their reputation precede them so they are not charlatans that can be manipulated by filthy lucre. They were carefully selected and scrutinised and cannot possibly risk their hard earned reputation for anything any corrupt former public office holder can offer.

Q6. How does the work of thos panel help the course of a new Abia?
Answer: Simple. By making sure that stolen funds are returned and channeled into developing the state infrastructure, payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, improving education and healthcare delivery, all integral components of the New Abia agenda.

Q7. Isn't the setting up of this panel an attempt at witch-hunting former governor Okezie Ikpeazu and his officials?
Answer: No. It is not. The government is only living up to its responsibility of making sure that public wealth stuck in the hands of private individuals are retrieved to enable the administration to serve the people, fulfil its campaign promises and build a state we can all be proud of.