Rita Odafe
Gov Alex Otti
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State has called on Governor Alex Otti to present clear evidence of how he allocated ₦90 billion to settle alleged contract debts in the state. The party claimed that they were not aware such debts existed and expressed skepticism about the validity of the governor’s assertion.
The PDP pressed for transparency by requesting details on which individuals and companies received payments from the ₦90 billion. In an open letter penned by Elder Abraham Amah, the party’s new state chairman, dated November 8, 2024, they referred to Otti’s statements about the funds allegedly tied to debts from the previous administration.
“We, the Abia PDP, are not aware of any debts from the last PDP-led administration,” the letter stated, urging Otti to release proof of his claims for the benefit of the state’s residents.
The party expressed serious concern regarding Otti’s claim of disbursing such a large sum without verifiable evidence and adherence to proper procedures. They emphasized that this amount deserves thorough examination, and they asked for clarification on how the total was calculated and the justifications for these payments.
To foster trust among the public, the PDP insisted that Otti disclose the names of beneficiaries from these transactions, highlighting the necessity for openness in governmental financial dealings. They pointed out that the public deserves awareness about who is benefitting from state funds, which is crucial for maintaining confidence in governance.
Additionally, the letter raised issues about the potential advantages being given to Signature Bank with these funds, urging Otti to guarantee the legitimacy and integrity of such financial activities. Without transparent communication, they noted, public confidence in leadership is at risk.
Finally, the PDP expressed disappointment over the apparent inconsistencies in Otti’s statements regarding spending and project funding, imploring him to clarify these issues promptly to uphold the promise of transparency essential to good governance.
