The Conceptual framework of Abia state and her Otti
The conceptual framework of Abia and Her Otti represents Governor Alex Otti’s comprehensive plan for Abia State’s development. It outlines strategic objectives across key sectors: economy, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security. This framework ensures coordinated policy implementation, resource allocation, and performance monitoring. By addressing historical challenges and leveraging opportunities, Otti’s administration aims to elevate Abia State’s socio-economic status. The framework embodies a commitment to inclusive governance, empowering citizens and fostering sustainable progress.
Governor Alex Otti’s statement regarding pensioners returning money they collected if they don’t want to forgo their pensions has sparked controversy. This development comes as his administration focuses on rebuilding and restoring Abia State’s economy, infrastructure, and social services.
We are all witnesses to
Infrastructure Development such as upgrading roads, particularly in Aba and Umuahia, to boost economic activities and improve living standards. Secondly, Education and Healthcare: such as renovating schools and hospitals, and investing in human capital development. Thirdly, Security: As regards enhancing security measures through Operation Crush and supporting security agencies. We can not ignore Economic Empowerment: In terms of promoting entrepreneurship, especially among youths, through ICT skills training and partnerships with global tech giants. All these and more are funded from the tax payers, federal and state government revenue generated over the months.
Budget Allocation:
The 2024 budget proposal, dubbed the “Budget of New Beginning,” allocates 44.76% to the economic sector, 40.07% to the social sector, and 15.17% to other sectors.
By the way, some of us are having a field day laughing at Abia’s VAT data comparing her with Ogun State. How sad! Has it ever occured to you that the state’s economic potential is immense, and its proximity to Lagos could significantly boost its revenue generation. If Abia were located near Lagos, its VAT generation would skyrocket, potentially exceeding ₦180 billion. To put this into perspective, Ogun State, which benefits from its proximity to Lagos, generated ₦1.74 billion in VAT, while Abia generated less than ₦700 million.
The southeast region as a whole collected ₦29.03 billion from federal allocations but generated only ₦8.16 billion internally. This disparity highlights the need for states like Abia to focus on internal revenue generation.
Abia’s Revenue Potential:
- Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): Abia has the potential to generate over ₦200 billion monthly, leveraging its 1.7 million informal workers, 200,000 commercial transport operators, and thriving markets like Ariaria International Market. If it were located by Lagos State. Ogun State is chronically lazy and can’t be used to compare.
- Value-Added Tax (VAT): Abia’s VAT generation could increase significantly if it were located near Lagos.
- Economic Sectors: Focusing on entrepreneurship, particularly in ICT, agriculture, and manufacturing, could further boost Abia’s economy.
Now to the burning matter:
Pensioners’ Concerns:
While the statement on pensioners has generated debate, it’s essential to consider the broader context of Governor Otti’s efforts to revamp Abia State’s economy and ensure sustainable development. The administration aims to prioritize transparency and accountability in managing public resources.
Our friends want me to ‘believe’ that they are frustrated about the ongoing discussions surrounding pensioners and their money. It only points to the hypocrisy of those who are now speaking out against Governor Otti’s administration, yet remained silent when the previous administration, under Governor Ikpeazu, owed huge salaries and neglected pensioners, leading to their suffering and infrastructure decay.
It’s essential to acknowledge the past injustices and compare them to the current administration’s efforts. Governor Otti’s focus on financial prudence, infrastructure development, and economic growth should be evaluated in contrast to the previous administration’s shortcomings.
To understand Governor Alex Otti’s approach to financial prudence, let’s compare it to Margaret Thatcher’s economic policies in Britain. Thatcher, known as the “Iron Lady,” implemented strict financial discipline and free-market reforms during her tenure as Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990. How do they compare please?
Financial Prudence Strategies
- Governor Alex Otti’s Approach: He has consistently emphasized Budgetary Control: Enforcing budgeting and budgetary control as instruments of financial prudence and accountability in Abia State. Which happens to be a far cry from the previous administration’s recklessness and mess. At the core of his mandate is state wide Economic Development which ultimately focuses on promoting entrepreneurship, particularly among youths, through ICT skills training and partnerships with global tech giants.
- Margaret Thatcher’s Approach: In face of criticism, she mantled Fiscal Discipline and implemented strict fiscal policies to reduce Britain’s national debt and inflation. She insisted on Free-Market Reforms by encouraging privatization, deregulation, and competition to stimulate economic growth. Her fiercest push back was o. Monetarism which meant controlling the money supply to stabilize the economy.
While both leaders share similarities in promoting financial discipline, their contexts and strategies differ. Governor Otti’s approach is tailored to Abia State’s specific needs, whereas Thatcher’s policies were designed for Britain’s national economy.
Politicization of pensioners plights is laughable. Let them beseech the PDP secretariat, camp there, Occupy Dr Ikpeazu’s house until he releases their funds to them. Dr Otti has done his best. When the music stops the dance step will stop as well. By the way, Abia State’s Development is like an unending Dance.
The Music Plays On: Governor Alex Otti’s administration continues to make strides.
Different Steps, Same Goal: Various initiatives focus on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.
No Tiring: Unrelenting commitment to progress, driven by transparency and accountability.
One Thing is Sure: Abia State’s future looks brighter, with a better life for all citizens.
To our vibrant critics, your enthusiasm is infectious! Keep dancing to the rhythm of progress, and Abia State will indeed flourish.
Dr Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke writes from the University of Abuja Nigeria.
