Former Abia State Finance and Budget Planning Commissioner, Hon. Obinna Oriaku, has raised serious concerns over the state’s financial transparency, urging Governor Alex Otti to provide a clear breakdown of how federal allocations and internally generated revenue are being spent.
In a statement released Monday, Oriaku who served under former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu challenged the current administration’s handling of public funds, citing inconsistencies in Abia’s Q3 2025 financial report.
His remarks follow similar calls for accountability by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who recently claimed Abia received up to N38 billion monthly in the second quarter of 2025. Governor Otti, however, refuted the figure, stating the state’s monthly revenue is c to N15 billion.
Oriaku’s critique, published under the title Abia’s Q3 2025 Financial Report: Unanswered Questions, Conflicting Figures and Rising Transparency Concerns, points to contradictions between reported figures and visible development outcomes.
He noted that while the Q3 report shows a revenue drop to N91 billion from Q2’s N114 billion, the period coincided with record-high FAAC disbursements nationwide. He also highlighted an increase in Abia’s internally generated revenue from N13.3 billion to N18 billion.
Despite these inflows, Oriaku questioned the lack of tangible infrastructure and the government’s denial of receiving higher allocations. He emphasized that Abia’s monthly revenue, when including local government allocations exceeds N40 billion, yet citizens see little evidence of impactful spending.
He further criticized the state’s financial reporting practices, accusing the administration of rebranding controversial budget items under vague labels. Notably, he pointed out that the previously scrutinized N1 billion Security Vote and N300 million Government House feeding expenses have now been absorbed into a loosely defined “Research and Development” category, which has reportedly consumed over N34 billion since 2023 without clear outcomes.
Oriaku also questioned the N14.4 billion allocated to Land and Housing in Q3, calling on Governor Otti to provide detailed explanations and justify the expenditure.
His statement adds to growing public demand for fiscal accountability in Abia, as residents seek transparency and meaningful development from their leaders.
Why is Otti being shady with revenue? Oriaku has every right to demand clarity. Lets get to the bottom of this!
Seems like Ottis got some explaining to do! Demanding financial clarity is a bold move by Oriaku. Lets see how this unfolds.
Is Otti hiding soing? Oriakus demand for financial clarity is necessary. Lets uncover the truth! #transparencyiskey 💰🔍
Seems like Ottis got some explaining to do! Oriaku isnt holding back, demanding financial transparency. Lets see how this unfolds!
Do you think Otti owes Oriaku an explanation, or is this just political drama? Share your thoughts!