By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Umuahia
Abians for Sustenance of Good Governance (ASGG), an advocacy group, has called for restraint over the unwarranted media attacks on Gov. Alex Otti’s administration.
Speaking at a press conference in Umuahia recently, the group’s leader, Chief Dannie Ubani, said that the negative narratives were politically motivated and aimed at distracting the Abia Government.
Ubani expressed concern that certain political voices were deliberately spreading misleading information to discredit the administration’s achievements and sow discord among the people of Abia.
He described such actions as unpatriotic, cautioning that falsehoods and sensational claims about the state’s finances could undermine public trust and derail ongoing development projects.
According to him available Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) records indicate that Abia receives an average of N14 billion monthly, contrary to the N38 billion figure being circulated by political detractors.
He said that the governor inherited massive liabilities, including unpaid salaries, pension arrears, and decayed infrastructure, but has since restored confidence through prudent governance.
Ubani noted that over 5,000 teachers have been transparently recruited, while 1,359 youths have undergone digital skills training under the Abia Tech-Rise Project.
He added that 302 Abia youths were trained in modern agricultural techniques at CSS Global Integrated Farms, Nasarawa State, as part of the administration’s youth empowerment initiative.
Ubani also revealed that the state’s debt profile had reduced from ₦138 billion in May 2023 to ₦72 billion, reflecting a ₦66 billion drop in less than two years.
Ubani further said that the present administration has executed major projects such as the Port Harcourt Road, Ohanku Road, Ohafia-Uzuakoli-Arochukwu Road, and the historic Omenuko Bridge.
He warned that political rivalry should not be allowed to destroy the peace and stability currently being enjoyed in Abia under Governor Otti’s leadership.
Ubani urged political actors to prioritise the stability and progress of the state, insisting that governance should not be sacrificed for personal ambition.
He maintained that while Otti welcomes scrutiny, criticisms must be factual, objective, and devoid of malice.
He said:“Abians care less about political parties, what they want is good governance, accountability, and transparency, which the Otti-led administration continues to deliver.”
Ubani reaffirmed ASGG’s support for the governor, calling on the people of Abia to unite in sustaining peace and development across the state.
