May 29: Abia PDP Demands Accountability From Gov Otti

As Governor Alex Otti’s administration approaches its second anniversary on May 29, the Abia State chapter of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has called for full disclosure on the cost of ongoing projects and details of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

The party accused the current government of operating under a cloud of secrecy and suppressing constructive criticism.

In a statement released on Sunday and titled “Calls for Accountability Mount as Critics Challenge Abia State’s Financial Management Under Governor Otti,” PDP’s Publicity Secretary, Mazi Eric Ikwuagwu, expressed deep concern over what he described as a growing intolerance for dissent by the Otti-led administration.

“While Alex Otti, as an opposition leader, fiercely and consistently criticised the former administration of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, he has now, as governor, become increasingly intolerant of dissent,” Ikwuagwu stated.

He cited the example of Engr. Eke O. Ako, a Scotland-based civil engineer and prominent social critic, who had been praised for holding the Ikpeazu administration accountable but is now being allegedly vilified for applying the same scrutiny to Governor Otti’s leadership.

“Over the past eight years, Engr. Eke O. Ako…was widely celebrated by the very individuals now in power and hailed as a beacon of integrity by the so-called ‘new Abia saints,’” Ikwuagwu said.

“Ironically, those who once praised him now accuse him of being sponsored by the PDP. Was it Otti that sponsored him against PDP under Ikpeazu? The answer is capital NO. EKS STEVE IS NOT BUYABLE.”

The PDP also referenced former Abia State Commissioner for Finance, Chief Obinna Oriaku, a known advocate for transparency and good governance. Ikwuagwu noted that Oriaku, who previously received accolades from members of the current government, is now being criticised for pointing out alleged financial irregularities under the Otti administration.

“Back then, he was praised by those in power today as ‘no-nonsense, bold and truthful,’ but now the table has turned. Rather than address his concerns about the unprecedented looting and financial mismanagement, the government resorted to vilifying Oriaku.”

According to the statement, revelations by Ako and Oriaku are not mere allegations but are based on official records sourced from the Abia State Government’s own quarterly budget performance reports. The PDP accused the Otti administration of deliberately avoiding rebuttals to serious questions surrounding public funds.

“Till date, no attempt has been made to refute the staggering figures of monumental fraud contained in Abia State quarterly financial reports,” Ikwuagwu stated.

“These include the N6.5 billion supposedly spent on Recreational Facilities, N10 billion on Capacity Building, N7 billion on ICT Infrastructure, and N54 billion on renovation of non-existent public schools — all amounting to over N200 billion.”

The party also raised red flags over the cost of the Port Harcourt Road project, claiming that N36.5 billion was spent on a 5.7-kilometre stretch, translating to approximately N6.18 billion per kilometre.

“That makes it the most expensive road in Africa,” Ikwuagwu said. “Yet, instead of addressing the concerns, the government has focused on discrediting the messengers.”

He further alleged that the administration is using media optics to distract from the underlying issues.

“If they like, let them bring CNN in an attempt to cover the fraud, discerning minds would never be distracted in seeking accountability and transparency on Otti’s government misleading tactics.”

The statement concluded with a renewed call for Governor Otti to provide detailed, accessible financial reports to the public, particularly as the administration marks its two-year milestone.

As of the time of filing this report, the Abia State Government was yet to respond to the allegations.