Abia govt speaks on spending N927m for governor’s meals, welfare

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti

The Abia State Government has reports which claimed the government spent N927 million on the feeding and welfare of the state governor, Alex Otti, from July to September 2023.

Reports had emerged that the state government spent N927 million within three months on the governor’s refreshments and meals, allowance, settlement of honorarium, and welfare packages.

The reports said the government spent N223,389,889.84 on refreshments and meals, while N305,400,000.00 was spent on honorarium and sitting allowances for government officials in July and September 2023.

Reacting, the Abia State Government, in a statement jointly issued by the media aides to the governor, Ferdinand Ekeoma and Kazie Uko, on Monday, November 20, 2023, said N223 million was spent on refreshments and meals for all workers in the state and not for the governor.

The statement read: “The total amount spent so far by the entire government of Abia State for Refreshments and Meals for the period is N223,389,889.84.

“The figure above is as captured in all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government. Please, note that this figure is for the entire state and not for the Office of the Governor, as being erroneously portrayed.

“The stated figure covers expenses for special events, such as retreats, conferences, and related events. For welfare, the Abia State Government has so far spent the sum of N397,520,734.84.

“The Welfare expenditure is in line with the State Fiscal, Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability Programme (SFTAS); an initiative of the Federal Government.

“Also note that the Welfare Expenditure covers all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and not just the Governor’s Office, as wrongly alleged.

“Expenses under Welfare deal with issues of Health, Rehabilitation and Public Emergencies. The Abia State Government, under the leadership of Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR, will continue to uphold transparency in governance, as has been demonstrated in the publication of the budget performance report for two consecutive quarters.”

The Star