Abia PDP Shadow Cabinet Slams Governor Alex Otti Over Alleged Mismanagement of State Resources | #NwokeukwuMascot

 News 

File Image

Aba, Abia State — The Abia PDP Shadow Cabinet has strongly criticized Governor Alex Otti’s administration, accusing it of gross mismanagement of state resources and a lack of transparency in governance. In a statement signed by the Chief of Staff of the Shadow Cabinet, Mascot Nwokeukwu, the opposition expressed dismay over what it described as “financial recklessness” and called for urgent reforms to restore accountability in the state.

Recall we had earlier reported how the less than 6km N30B road contract was negotiated by Mr Ken Ahia’s legal firm at an initial approved cost of N60M which was finally reduced to N50M.

The statement drew comparisons between infrastructural investments in Rivers State and Abia State, using the disparity to highlight alleged fiscal imprudence in Governor Otti’s administration. According to the Shadow Cabinet, Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara recently awarded a 19.7km road contract, which includes seven bridges and nearly 13km of drainage channels, at a cost of ₦30.4 billion. Meanwhile, Governor Otti reportedly spent the same amount on a 5.9km township road in Aba—a project that was already under reconstruction by the previous administration.

“This glaring contrast exposes a troubling lack of fiscal responsibility and raises serious questions about the transparency and accountability of Governor Otti’s administration,” the statement read.

Transparency Under Scrutiny

The PDP Shadow Cabinet accused the Otti-led government of deliberately withholding contract details from the public until they were forced into the open by independent media outlets like Channels Television. This lack of openness, the opposition argued, has fueled public suspicion and undermined trust in the government’s ability to manage state resources effectively.

“Public office is a sacred trust, and every kobo of Abia State’s funds must be judiciously deployed to meet the pressing needs of the people,” the statement emphasized.

Demands for Immediate Action

In its statement, the Shadow Cabinet issued a set of demands aimed at ensuring accountability and transparency in the management of Abia’s resources:

1. Full Disclosure: Immediate publication of all contract details, including costs, contractors, and terms of engagement, to allow for public scrutiny.

2. Independent Audits: Comprehensive audits of all ongoing and completed projects under Governor Otti’s administration to verify the appropriate use of state funds.

3. Commitment to Good Governance: A pledge to uphold transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline in all state affairs.

A Call for Leadership That Puts People First

The Shadow Cabinet lamented what it described as the prioritization of self-interest over the collective good by the current administration. It stressed that Abia State’s challenges are not insurmountable but are the result of poor leadership choices.

“Our state is not cursed or doomed; it is merely plagued by leadership that fails to prioritize the welfare of its people,” the statement noted.

The PDP Shadow Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to standing with the people of Abia State and providing alternative solutions to the current administration’s alleged mismanagement. It called on Abians to hold their leaders accountable and to demand governance that truly reflects their aspirations.

“Abia’s destiny is in the hands of its people. We urge every Abian to join us in demanding the good governance our state deserves,” the statement concluded.

As the political climate in Abia continues to heat up, the Shadow Cabinet’s statement adds to the growing tension between the ruling Labour Party-led government and the opposition PDP. The coming months are expected to see heightened scrutiny of Governor Otti’s policies and projects as both parties prepare for the next political chapter in the state.