Shocking Revelations: How Governor Otti Spent N11.26 Billion to Combat 'Terrorism' in Abia (Document) | #NwokeukwuMascot

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Governor Otti’s N11.26 Billion Expenditure on Security: An Examination of Nine Months in Office | #NwokeukwuMascot

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Governor Alex Otti, in his initial nine months in office, embarked on several initiatives aimed at enhancing the security of Abia State. Despite Abia being relatively stable compared to neighboring states and the broader national context, these initiatives reflected a proactive approach to public safety.

Recall that the state governor had embarked on various security initiatives. In August 2023, Governor Otti launched "Operation Crush," a multi-agency anti-crime security task force. The launch was marked by the donation of 20 Toyota Hilux patrol vans. In October 2023, the governor revoked the residential status of the Lokpanta cattle market due to increasing public safety threats in the Uturu and Lokpanta areas. Earlier, in June 2023, Governor Otti banned revenue collection touts in the state. By August 2023, a harmonized task force (AHARET) was established to remove these touts from Abia's streets, addressing the longstanding issue of extortion and harassment of motorists and businesses.

While these initiatives are commendable, the financial implications have raised significant concerns. According to the Budget Performance Reports from Q3 2023 to Q1 2024, Governor Otti spent N11.26 billion on Public Order and Safety from July 2023 to March 2024. This expenditure accounted for roughly 10% of Abia State’s total revenue of N117 billion during this period, excluding loans and local government allocations, which were not considered. 

Furthermore, N5.2 billion (4.44% of total state revenue) was allocated to the judiciary. Approximately N6 billion (5% of total state revenue) was spent on security, and N634.5 million (0.54% of total state revenue) was directed towards police services, including the state-owned Homeland Security Services.

The substantial expenditure has led many Abians to question the nature and extent of the security threats faced by the state, particularly since the federal government typically covers the salaries of the armed forces. In a comparative analysis of national and international budgets, and a comparison with other Nigerian states' security budgets, Abia’s expenditure on security was observed to be notably outrageous.

The United States, with extensive global military operations, allocated 13.3% of its 2023 budget to defense, while Nigeria’s 2024 budget allocated 12% to defense and security. In this context, Governor Otti’s 10% allocation for security is notably high, especially since state governments do not handle defense spending. War-ravaged Borno State, with N10 billion more revenue than Abia, spent only N1.1 billion on security in the same period (0.86% of total revenue), starkly contrasting with Governor Otti’s N6 billion expenditure (5% of Abia’s revenue).

Governor Otti, despite his previous criticisms of his predecessor’s use of the discretionary Security Vote, spent N4.48 billion on it in nine months. This expenditure, averaging N500 million per month (3.82% of the state’s revenue), has been met with skepticism and concern from the public. These expenses are especially contentious given that the state government recently sacked over 15,000 civil servants, citing a lack of funds to pay their salaries.

When compared with Anambra State, which has a larger population and higher revenue, it was revealed that Governor Otti outspent Governor Soludo on the Security Vote by more than N4.4 billion. This disparity raises questions about the perceived severity of security threats in Abia. Governor Otti allocated N5.2 billion to the judiciary, with N2.14 billion earmarked for capital projects. However, the tangible results of these expenditures remain unclear, with few reports of significant judicial infrastructure developments.

While there have been successes, such as a reduction in violent crimes in Lokpanta and Uturu, the overall impact of the N11.26 billion spent on public safety remains contentious. Abia continues to face significant security challenges, including kidnappings and attacks on security officers. Governor Otti’s substantial expenditure on security has sparked debate among Abians, highlighting the need for greater transparency and efficiency in addressing public safety concerns. As the state grapples with economic difficulties, it is crucial for the governor to justify these expenditures and consider strategies to reduce the cost of governance.

The data presented in this article were sourced by Eke O Ako for Ekcon Consults. References include the Abia State Budget Performance Reports for Q1 2024, Q4 2023, and Q3 2023; the Enugu State Budget Performance Report Q1 2024; the Akwa Ibom State Budget Performance Report Q1 2024; the Anambra State Budget Performance Report Q1 2024; quarterly budget performance reports from various states; the KPMG Final Report on Process Review Services for ABSG; the Abia State 2024 Citizens Budget; the Abia State 2023 Debt Sustainability Analysis/Management Strategy Report; various newspaper publications and social media platforms; and the Accountant General Reports for Abia State (2017-2023).