The Abia State Government has refuted claims of allocating over N900 million for the sustenance and well-being of Governor Alex Otti between July and September 2023.
Initial reports suggested that a budget performance report indicated an expenditure of N927 million during the specified three-month period, covering areas such as refreshments and meals, allowances, settlement of honorarium, and welfare packages.
It was alleged that a significant portion, N223,389,889.84, was earmarked for refreshments and meals, with an additional N305,400,000.00 allocated for honorarium and sitting allowances for government officials within the Otti-led administration.
In response, media aides to the governor, Ferdinand Ekeoma and Kazie Uko, issued a statement on Monday categorically denying the veracity of these reports.
“The total amount spent so far by the entire government of Abia State for Refreshments and Meals for the period is N223,389,889.84,” the statement clarified. “This figure encompasses all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the government. Please note that this sum pertains to the entire state and is not solely for the Office of the Governor, as incorrectly portrayed.”
The statement continued, “The stated figure covers expenses for special events, such as retreats, conferences, and related activities. For welfare, the Abia State Government has expended the sum of N397,520,734.84.”
Highlighting the adherence to the State Fiscal, Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability Programme (SFTAS) initiated by the Federal Government, the statement emphasized that the welfare expenditure extends to all MDAs, not exclusively the Governor’s Office.
“Expenses under Welfare address matters of Health, Rehabilitation, and Public Emergencies,” the statement clarified, concluding with a commitment to maintaining transparency in governance under the leadership of Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR.
