BY NONYELUM JULIET
Kaduna
A pro-All Progressives Congress (APC) group in Abia State has demanded explanations from Governor Alex Otti over what it described as “phantom projects” allegedly executed with N54 billion meant for the renovation of public schools in the state.
Operating under the platform of the Abia’s Best Interest Association, the group also cautioned Otti against any move to join the APC, describing him as a “liability” to the party in the state.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the Convener of the association, Hon. Barr. Eze Chikamnayo, said the group had embarked on an on-the-spot inspection of public schools in several Local Government Areas (LGAs) and found the infrastructure in deplorable condition despite budgetary claims of massive investment.
“In Ugwunagbo LGA, schools visited included Ihie Community Primary School, Ihie Ukwu Primary School, Asa Umunka Primary School, and Ikem Migrant Farmers School,” he said. “In Isiala Ngwa South, we inspected Nneise Primary School – Umuhu/Umuezu Nvosi, Umunkpeyi Primary School – Umunkpeyi Nvosi, and Obuba Primary School – Obuba Nvosi. The decay was even more alarming in Isiala Ngwa South, the local government of the sitting governor.”
Chikamnayo questioned the N54 billion captured in the 2024 Abia State Budget Performance Report for school renovations, arguing that such reports are meant to detail accomplished projects with actual expenditure, not just approved figures.
He also faulted the inclusion of items such as recruitment of teachers and purchase of chalks under capital projects. “When did employing teachers and purchasing instructional materials become capital projects?” he queried.
The group further accused Otti of undermining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while pretending to support him. “Over N300 billion has come into Abia State from President Tinubu’s reforms, yet local governments remain grounded, castrated, and insolvent,” Chikamnayo alleged.
On whether Otti would be welcomed into the APC, the group said: “Nobody in APC Abia State wants anything called Alex Otti. He is a liability.”
They also criticised the state’s performance in education compared to neighbouring Imo and Enugu States, where, according to them, public schools have been rebuilt, modernised, and equipped with visible results.
“This lack of transparency and accountability is a gross disservice to Abians,” Chikamnayo said. “We call on Abians to be vigilant and demand full accountability because the future of our children is at stake”.
