Abia Govt Denies Spending N927m On Gov Otti’s Meals, Welfare

Abia State Government Denies N900 Million Spent on Governor's Feeding

The Abia State Government refutes claims of expending over N900 million on Governor Alex Otti's feeding and welfare from July to September 2023. 

Earlier reports suggested the government had disbursed N927 million for refreshments, meals, honorarium, and welfare packages, sparking public concern over the staggering amount in a brief timeframe.

According to media aides Ferdinand Ekeoma and Kazie Uko, the actual spending for refreshments and meals amounts to N223,389,889.84 across all government departments, not solely for the Governor's Office. This includes expenses for special events like retreats and conferences.

The government clarified that N397,520,734.84 was spent on welfare initiatives, encompassing health, rehabilitation, and public emergencies, in compliance with the State Fiscal, Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability Programme (SFTAS) mandated by the Federal Government.

The statement reiterated the commitment of the Abia State Government, led by Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR, to maintain transparency in governance, exemplified by the consistent publication of budget performance reports for public scrutiny.