Abia State Governor Alex Otti has dismissed claims that his administration mismanaged over N54 billion intended for education projects, calling the allegations politically motivated.
The accusations came from Eze Chikamnayo, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and convener of the Abians Best Interest Association. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, September 2, Chikamnayo demanded evidence of 51 “smart schools” reportedly funded between 2023 and 2025.
He alleged, “From June 2023 to December 2023, Governor Otti purportedly spent N6bn in public schools. From January 2024 to December 2024, N58bn was also reported by Governor Otti as monies purportedly spent on repairs of public schools.
“From January 2025 to June 2025, another N14bn was again reported by Mr Alex Otti as monies spent yet on this same public school.
“Also note that the sum of N8bn has been provided from the UBEC Abuja in 2025 for repairs of public schools (after provision of N4bn counterpart fund by the state).”
Chikamnayo claimed that over 95% of schools remain dilapidated and accused the government of “systemic corruption, impunity, lack of transparency and accountability.”
He said his group had petitioned anti-corruption agencies, the National Assembly, and international bodies including the World Bank and Transparency International for intervention.
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Reacting, Governor Otti’s Chief Press Secretary, Njoku Ukoha, rejected the claims.
“They are merely spreading falsehood. The Otti-led administration has been very transparent with the people of Abia.
“The schools are visible to everyone. Under the leadership of His Excellency, Alex Otti, the Abia State Government is building new schools, while also renovating and equipping existing ones. Therefore, anything these individuals say or do should not be taken seriously,” Ukoha said.
He added that the governor remains focused on transforming education and will not be distracted by opposition claims.
Chikamnayo insisted that their campaign is about protecting Abia children and future generations.
“We have also written to the National Assembly, UNESCO, World Bank, Federal Ministry of Finance, Federal Ministry of Education, and indeed watchdogs like Transparency International, Amnesty International and others for urgent intervention and sanctions where necessary,” he said.