Hon Chukwu Faults Otti,Says He Lacks Transparency In Managing FG Humongous Allocations To Abia

Former Minority Leader of the 7th Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, has heavily criticised Governor Alex Otti’s administration, accusing it of lacking transparency and accountability.

During an interview on Flo 94.9 FM Umuahia, he referred to the administration as the worst in Abia State, particularly in the areas of governance principles which require openness and due process in the management of public funds.

Hon. Chukwu questioned the claims according to quarterly financial reports from the state government that over ₦54 billion had been spent on public school renovation, stating that there is no tangible evidence to show how these funds were used. He faulted the defence by aides of the Governor that 100% payment had been made upfront to contractors without following standard practice of instalment payment base on milestones achieved which is normally used in contractual agreements world over.

Chukwu pointed out that if such funds had been properly invested, there would be visible improvements in local public schools, even in his hometown of Ugwueke in Bende Local Government Area, has not seen any school where the said amount was spent on.

He also asked Abians to check for schools in their vicinity to see if the N54 billion was invested anywhere in the state on mere renovation of schools.

The Minority Leader, however, expressed concern over the governor’s failure to follow through on promises of transparency, referencing Otti’s campaigns that focused on changing the governance template with accountability and transparency. Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Hon. Chukwu advocated for regime change given the current administration’s lack of real sector progress, fiscal recklessness and assuming World Bank and federal government assisted projects as Otti’s initiatives.