The Abia State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a strong call for accountability, urging Governor Alex Otti to disclose details of project expenditures and internally generated revenue (IGR) during his two years in office.
In a statement signed by the Abia State PDP Publicity Secretary, Eric Ikwuagwu, the opposition accused the current administration of operating under a “veil of secrecy” and expressed concern that the governor had failed to publish the financial details of key state projects.
The statement alleged that public scrutiny of the Otti administration was growing, with even those once allied with the governor raising questions over financial practices. The party urged Governor Otti to prioritise transparency and public accountability, noting that efforts to discredit critics would not distract “discerning minds” from demanding answers.
Ikwuagwu recalled that when in opposition, Governor Otti had frequently criticised the administration of his predecessor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu. However, he argued that the current leadership appeared to be less tolerant of dissent and was attempting to suppress constructive criticism.
Citing the examples of Eke O. Ako, a UK-based Abia-born civil engineer, and Obinna Oriaku, a former state commissioner for finance, Ikwuagwu claimed both individuals were now facing public attacks for applying the same level of scrutiny they once directed at previous governments.
Ako, known for his vocal critique of the Ikpeazu administration, is now drawing attention to Otti’s financial record, referencing figures from the state’s quarterly budget performance reports. These figures, according to the PDP, suggest that the current administration received over ₦800 billion in 23 months, yet many questions remain unanswered regarding how the funds were spent.
Similarly, Oriaku, who was previously praised for his boldness in exposing fiscal mismanagement, has raised concerns about what he describes as “unprecedented” spending under the Otti government. The PDP alleged that rather than addressing the concerns, officials had sought to discredit these critics.
Among the contentious figures cited were ₦6.5 billion reportedly spent on recreational facilities, ₦10 billion on capacity building, ₦7 billion on ICT infrastructure, and ₦54 billion on the renovation of public schools—many of which, the PDP claims, do not exist.
The opposition also questioned the ₦36.5 billion spent on the 5.7km Port Harcourt Road, which it said translated to over ₦6 billion per kilometre—“the most expensive road in Africa,” according to the party.
Despite what the PDP described as “staggering allegations of financial impropriety,” it said the state government had yet to issue a formal rebuttal or provide clarity on the reported expenditure.
