Governor Alex Otti's deliberate manipulation of Abians is working to his advantage, and to be fair, he can't be blamed for taking advantage of widespread ignorance. He understands the psyche of Abians, which is why he can boldly present a financial statement claiming ₦58 billion was spent on renovating public schools in 2023—despite the glaring absence of any government presence in these schools. When financially literate individuals raise concerns about such outrageous figures, his aides—many of whom are clueless—resort to insults instead of providing clarifications.
World Bank-Funded RAAMP Projects Disguised as State Initiatives
Otti’s administration has failed to be transparent about major road projects, such as:
Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Ohafia Road
Ohafia-Arochukwu Road
Okporoeyi-Ikwuano Road
Abam-Arochukwu Road
Isiukwuato Roads
These projects are actually funded under the World Bank's Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), with counterpart funds fully paid by the previous administration. The designs and listings were also completed before Otti assumed office and $60m already acquired. If the government disputes this, let them present evidence to the contrary.
Instead of acknowledging the World Bank's role, Otti's government is using these projects as a distraction while internally looting FAAC allocations worth billions. Meanwhile, they feed Abians outrageous figures—like ₦6.5 billion for a recreational facility. It’s an insult to the intelligence of the people.
Claiming Credit for Existing Projects
Governor Otti contributed nothing to the Ariaria Market power project or Geometric Power, yet his administration is making a spectacle out of these initiatives that were already in motion before he took office.
Look at Enugu, where there are no RAAMP funds. If Otti had governed Abia between 2015 and 2021—when the state received just ₦2.5 billion in revenue monthly and sometimes less—he would have failed completely. Now, with ₦18 billion in monthly revenue, he still struggles to pay a wage bill of less than ₦3 billion, leaving an excess of ₦15 billion. Where is all this money going?
Self-Enrichment Over Public Welfare
Governor Otti has spent more money on himself, his mini government house in Nvosi, and his numerous travels than on the welfare of Abians. His administration proudly claims to have spent ₦7 billion on “capacity building”—an outrageous figure. Even the amounts allegedly spent on hospital and government office renovations are dubious at best.
When confronted with these facts, his supporters resort to insults instead of addressing the core issues. But Abians deserve accountability, not deception.
Pension Fraud and Dishonesty
Otti's handling of pension payments is equally dishonest. His government tricked pensioners into signing a document that ultimately shortchanged them. Pension is a right, not a favor. With state revenue now exceeding ₦18 billion monthly, there is no justification for continuing to blame past administrations that managed the same wage burden with less than ₦4 billion as monthly allocation.
Otti campaigned on promises to address these issues. Now, he must be held accountable for failing to fulfill them. He has no right to unilaterally decide which portion of pensions should be forfeited. His actions are a betrayal of trust.
Where Has Over ₦600 Billion Gone?
Beyond the World Bank-funded road projects he inherited, where has the ₦600 billion his government has received so far gone? There is no visible impact on the people. Instead, Abians continue to suffer, struggling under worsening economic conditions.
Otti’s government is built on deceit, propaganda, and financial mismanagement. Abians must wake up and demand accountability before it’s too late.
Ikechukwu writes from Ohafia..
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