OTTI AND ABIA LGAs: FACTS MUST DEFEAT POLITICAL FICTION
This write-up mixes one legitimate demand—greater transparency—with sweeping conclusions that have not been proved.
Yes, allocations to local governments have increased nationally. Official FAAC records confirm that councils across Nigeria now receive substantially higher revenues than in earlier years. But increased allocation alone does not prove that Abia’s LGAs are “worse off,” nor does it establish that Governor Alex Otti diverted their funds. Anyone making such a grave accusation must produce audited accounts, bank records or official findings—not political insinuations.
Governor Otti has publicly maintained that Abia’s Local Government Administration Law aligns with the Supreme Court’s autonomy judgment and that cooperation between the state and councils is necessary because LGAs carry responsibilities involving primary education, healthcare, security and community infrastructure.
It is therefore false and intellectually dishonest to present a disputed political allegation as an established fact.
Are citizens entitled to demand publication of LGA budgets, allocations and expenditure? Absolutely. Civil-society organisations have made that reasonable demand. Transparency strengthens Otti’s administration rather than weakens it.
But where is the evidence that Abia’s councils are now “worse than during the PDP era”? Were those PDP-era councils financially autonomous? Where are their published accounts, completed projects and audited records being used for this comparison?
Governor Otti should be assessed by visible performance: reconstructed roads, improved urban sanitation, renewed public infrastructure, reforms in healthcare and education, and the restoration of confidence in Abia’s government—not by unsupported social-media verdicts.
Accountability is welcome. Questions are welcome. But allegations must be supported by evidence.
Leadership should indeed be judged by performance—and Otti’s performance is visible across Abia.
Bring the records, not rhetoric. Bring audited evidence, not political fiction.
Dr Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, remains focused on rebuilding Abia.
