World Bank Programme Confirms Transparency as Otti Defends N14.43bn School Retrofitting Expenditure

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, says his government has so far spent about N14.43 billion on the retrofitting of 61 public schools as at June 2025, in line with his transformational agenda in the education sector.

Governor Otti made this known while responding to questions arising from statements credited to an opposition politician demanding accountability for funds allocated to school renovations, during his monthly media chat tagged “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians” held on Friday at the Government House, Umuahia.

He explained that the State Fiscal Accountability and Sustainability (S. F. A. S.) Programme—a World Bank initiative—requires states to publish their budget performance, which is why all details are readily available on the Abia State Government website.

“What is published is budget estimates. At the end of the day, what is important is the actual cash that has been spent. If you check the audited financial statement of December 31, 2024, you will see clearly how much of that N54 billion was spent,” the Governor clarified.

Governor Otti further emphasized his administration’s strict accountability measures, stating that contractors are only mobilized with advance payment guarantees to ensure funds remain safeguarded.

“So when someone says N54 billion is missing, unfortunately he is talking to the wrong government. At least three or four members of the Executive Council are fellows of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, so figures cannot be manipulated here,” Otti said.

In a direct response to former Commissioner for Information, Eze Chikamnayo, the Governor dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.

“This is a different government. I will never hire him, nor call him for negotiations. Since 1999, he has been part of successive governments, and when blackmailing fails, they call him and give him jobs. That era is gone,” Otti declared.

The Governor challenged the former commissioner to visit ongoing school projects in Umunneochi and other locations rather than making unfounded allegations from Abuja.

“To those who sent him, it is unfortunate they hired a man without credibility to carry out a hatchet job. Because people keep quiet does not mean they can blackmail this government. I will never negotiate with blackmailers,” Otti stressed.