Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has revealed that his administration has so far spent N14.43 billion to renovate and upgrade 61 public schools across the state as of June 2025. The disclosure was made during his monthly media interaction, “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,” where he addressed growing public concerns about the management of funds earmarked for education.
The concerns were triggered by comments from a former Commissioner for Information, Chief Eze Chikamnayo, who questioned the reported N54 billion allocated for school renovations and alleged that the public could not see matching results on the ground.
Governor Otti, however, clarified that the figure being circulated was a budgetary estimate and not actual spending. He pointed to the audited financial statements published on the Abia State Government’s official website, which, he said, provides a breakdown of expenditures.
“What matters is the actual cash that has been disbursed,” Otti explained. “According to the audited financial report as of December 31, 2024, only N14.43 billion has been spent, and this covered the retrofitting of 61 schools.”
He further stressed that his administration operates under strict financial regulations, including the use of advance payment guarantees, to ensure transparency, accountability, and protection of public funds in cases where contractors default.
Dismissing Chikamnayo’s claims as unfounded, Otti stated:
“When someone says N54 billion is missing, he is talking to the wrong audience. At least three or four members of our Executive Council are fellows of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. This government is built on transparency and accountability.”
The governor added that he has no intention of engaging the former commissioner, saying:
“This is a different government. My position on his earlier request at the beginning of this administration remains the same. I will not negotiate with him.”
