₦54 Billion Scandal? Abia Governor Otti Breaks Silence On Allegations

The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has dismissed claims accusing his administration of mismanaging over ₦54 billion earmarked for education projects.

The allegation was raised by Eze Chikamnayo, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and convener of the Abians Best Interest Association, who petitioned anti-graft agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

At a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Chikamnayo challenged the governor to provide proof of 51 “smart schools” allegedly funded with monies withdrawn from the state treasury between 2023 and 2025.

He alleged that:

• From June to December 2023, ₦6 billion was reported as spent on public schools.

• Between January and December 2024, another ₦58 billion was said to have gone into school repairs.

• From January to June 2025, ₦14 billion was again reported as expenditure on the same sector.

• In addition, ₦8 billion was provided to Abia State by UBEC in 2025 after a ₦4 billion counterpart contribution.

Chikamnayo argued that the government’s failure to publish the list, locations, contractors, and evidence of the 51 school projects was “a clear sign of systemic corruption, impunity, and lack of accountability.” He revealed that his group had also petitioned the EFCC, ICPC, National Assembly, World Bank, Transparency International, and other watchdogs to investigate the alleged diversion.

Reacting, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Njoku Ukoha, dismissed the accusations as baseless and politically driven.

“They are simply spreading lies. The Otti administration has been very transparent with the people of Abia. The schools are visible for all to see. Under His Excellency’s leadership, the government is building new schools and also renovating and equipping existing ones. These claims should not be taken seriously,” Ukoha said.

He stressed that Governor Otti remained focused on delivering his education agenda and would not be distracted by what he described as opposition propaganda.