The continuing political pressure between Deputy Speaker of the Home of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and Abia State Governor Alex Otti exhibits no indicators of abating, as Kalu on Tuesday reiterated that the state requires efficient governance and never propaganda.
The most recent change follows a press assertion by Governor Otti’s Particular Adviser on Media, Ferdinand Ekeoma, titled “Governance in Abia, Benjamin Kalu Wants Tutorials Extra Than He Wants a Microphone.” Responding, Kalu’s workplace accused the governor’s administration of resorting to “blatant propaganda and private assaults” as an alternative of addressing urgent state points.
“The individuals of Abia State deserve transparency, accountability, and tangible outcomes, not public relations theatrics,” an announcement by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, learn.
Citing the state’s personal Q2 2025 Monetary Report, Kalu famous that Abia receives a median of ₦38 billion month-to-month from FAAC allocations, internally generated income, and federal interventions. Regardless of receiving over ₦114 billion within the April–June 2025 quarter, the state stays visibly underdeveloped, with crumbling colleges, dilapidated roads, unpaid pensions and gratuities, and a struggling healthcare system.
Kalu’s workplace additional criticized the Otti administration’s reliance on change price fluctuations to justify underperformance, mentioning that neighboring states equivalent to Enugu, Anambra, and Imo, working underneath comparable financial circumstances, are commissioning landmark initiatives. “The issue lies not within the financial system however in mismanagement and misplaced priorities,” the assertion added.
On employees’ welfare, Kalu famous that Abia’s civil servants proceed to face financial hardship. Whereas different states have applied the ₦70,000 minimal wage, Abia civil servants earn as little as ₦29,000 month-to-month, with new nurses receiving solely ₦80,000, far beneath the CONHESS-approved ₦340,000.
The assertion additionally highlighted considerations over the state workforce and expenditures. With roughly 67,000 staff, together with native authorities workers, the federal government reportedly spends ₦6.7 billion month-to-month on salaries, leaving roughly ₦31.3 billion unaccounted for.
Lastly, Kalu raised points over mortgage administration, noting that regardless of Abia securing a $263.8 million African Improvement Financial institution (AfDB) mortgage, partly disbursed by the Islamic Improvement Financial institution, there may be little proof of developmental initiatives on the bottom.
“The Deputy Speaker was proper to name for accountability,” the assertion concluded, “Abia State has the assets, however it’s time for accountable management that prioritizes growth, employees’ welfare, and the welfare of the individuals.”
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