Abia In Sh*ck As Ex-Commissioner Exposes Alleged Diversion Of LG Funds By Gov. Otti

Former Abia State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Eze Chikamnayo, has accused Governor Alex Otti of diverting funds meant for local governments, alleging that the move has crippled grassroots development across the state.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Chikamnayo claimed that the governor has centralized financial control, thereby stifling local government autonomy and effectiveness.

He said,

“Unfortunately, in Abia today, Alex Otti has mopped up all the funds allocated to local governments. He has completely grounded grassroots development, making it impossible for local councils to function or even breathe.”

The former commissioner also addressed reports suggesting political tension between Governor Otti and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.

Chikamnayo clarified that there was no personal feud, emphasizing that Kalu’s recent remarks were simply a call for transparency and accountability in governance.

“There is no personal issue between Honourable Benjamin Kalu and Governor Alex Otti,” he said. “What we are all saying — myself, Ben Kalu, members of the APC, and many Abians — is simple: Governor Alex Otti should practice what he preaches.”

Chikamnayo praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for improving state revenues and freeing up financial resources for development, adding that governors must now be held to higher standards of accountability.

“We know that a lot of money has gone to the states under President Tinubu. He has done exceptionally well and freed up resources. With these increased allocations, more is expected from the governors,” he stated.

He concluded that good governance should be measured not by rhetoric or slogans but by visible development outcomes.

“You can’t say a governor is doing well based on slogans alone. The real test is whether the resources available match the results on the ground. When they don’t, citizens have every right to ask questions — not just in Abia, but across Nigeria.”