Startling Revelation: Abia State Q3 2023 Budget Reveals Controversial Spending by Governor Otti

Startling revelation hits Abia as the Abia State Third Quarter (July - September) 2023 Budget Performance Report has exposed Governor Alex Otti's administration for extravagant spending, particularly on refreshment/meals, honorarium, allowances, and welfare packages.

According to the report, which was posted on the state government's website (https://abiastate.gov.ng/abia-state-3rd-quarter-2023-budget-performance-report-2/), Governor Alex Otti spent a staggering N927 million within just three months.

The report, produced by the Abia State Planning Commission, Budget Department/Office of the Accountant General, and Accounts Production Department, assessed the Q3 and year-to-date performance against the revised 2023 budget.

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Highlights from the report include:

- N223,389,889.84 spent on refreshment/meals

- N305,400,000.00 spent on honorarium and sitting allowances for government officials

- N397,520,734.00 allocated to welfare packages

- N737,922,661.25 used for the purchase of motor vehicles, with no details on quantity or recipients

- N362,804,050.00 spent on trucks

- N400,890,000.00 used for the purchase of buses

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Furthermore, the document disclosed that N252.4 million was used to run the Deputy Governor's office for three months, while a meager N25 million was allocated for the repair of public schools in the state.

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This news comes amid reports of deteriorating conditions in public primary and secondary schools across the state. Many of these institutions are described as "eyesores," with dilapidated buildings, leaking roofs, broken furniture, doors, and windows. Some schools are reportedly abandoned, with piles of garbage, human excreta, and overgrown shrubs.

Critics argue that the revealed budget allocations raise questions about the priorities of the Otti-led government, especially in the face of pressing issues like the state of public education. As the public reacts to this controversial spending, calls for accountability and transparency in governance are gaining momentum. The government is yet to respond to these revelations.