Economist Faults Otti’s Administration on Transparency, Decries Rising Political Hostility in Abia
Abia born professor of Development Economics, Professor Nnamdi Nwaeze, has raised concerns over transparency and political intolerance under the administration of Governor Alex Otti, warning that both issues could undermine governance outcomes in Abia State.
In a critical appraisal published on Wednesday 1st April, the Abia State University Professor identified resource optimization as a key challenge facing the government. He argued that beyond allocating limited resources, effective governance demands that every expenditure delivers commensurate value. According to him, the perceived lack of transparency in contract valuations, procurement processes, and tender procedures has fueled uncertainty about how state resources are being managed.
While clarifying that his concerns do not amount to allegations of financial misappropriation, the professor noted that unanswered questions surrounding public spending continue to cast a shadow over the administration’s fiscal accountability.
The financial consultant also expressed alarm over what he described as a growing culture of hostility within the state’s political environment. According to him, dissenting voices are increasingly met with personal attacks, blackmail, and character assassination, creating an atmosphere that discourages constructive criticism.
“This trend appears systemic and strategic,” he suggested, adding that individuals who express contrary opinions are often subjected to intense backlash regardless of the merit of their arguments.
Reiterating his political stance, Professor Nwaeze stated that he did not support Governor Otti in the 2023 elections and maintains no regrets about that decision. However, he acknowledged the possibility of reconsidering his position in the future based on objective evaluation of alternatives.
The academic also pushed back against alleged intimidation from political loyalists, emphasizing his right to free expression and intellectual independence. He maintained that his contributions to public discourse are guided by fairness, empirical analysis, and progressive ideals, rather than a desire for approval or validation.
Highlighting his professional credentials, the UNIPORT Alumnus described himself as a globally recognized scholar whose relevance extends beyond the state, dismissing threats to his career as inconsequential.
Nwaeze called for civility, urging stakeholders in Abia’s political space to embrace tolerance, accountability, and open dialogue in the interest of sustainable governance.
The government of Abia State under Governor Otti has received over 1.6 trillion naira from the Federal Government and has relatively nothing serious in the state to equate the humongous amount the state has gotten from the center.
