By Our Correspondent
An audit report of the Abia State Government's 2023 financial activities has revealed a payment of N70 million into the personal bank account of Agnes Chigozie Njoku, the personal assistant on logistics to the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti.
The payment was categorized as “Feeding in Government House” for the period of June to September 2023.
The transaction has raised concerns as it violates Nigeria’s Financial Regulations 2009, which prohibit the payment of public funds into private accounts. Chapter 7, Section 713 of the regulations states, “Personal money shall in no circumstances be paid into a government bank account, nor shall any public money be paid into a private account.”
The audit further highlighted other questionable expenditures, including N42.8 million paid to the Deputy Chief of Staff as part payment for the renovation of the Deputy Governor’s office. A total of N112.8 million was classified as wrongful expenditure in the report.
The controversy extends beyond financial irregularities. The Nigerian Constitution does not recognize the office of the First Lady, raising questions about the legitimacy of such allocations.
In a related development, the report revealed that the Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, received N41.6 million directly into his personal account for the Abia Industrial and Innovative Park project in Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area. This also contravenes the state’s financial regulations, which mandate proper vouching, documentation, and adherence to due process for such transactions.
Other irregular payments included N37.8 million transferred to the accounts of Alozie Kelechi, a former permanent secretary, and Obinna Nwaokoma, a director of finance in the state.
Governor Alex Otti, who assumed office with promises to reposition Abia State and alleviate poverty, has come under fire for alleged lavish expenditures. Critics have pointed to the state's 2024 budget, which allocates significant funds for vehicle purchases, including N1.5 billion for two Toyota Hilux vehicles, a figure initially dismissed by the governor as a "software glitch."
Further analysis of the budget reveals allocations of N5.8 billion for vehicles for commissioners, permanent secretaries, and the judiciary, and another N2.8 billion for vehicles for Government House and ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
The revelations come against the backdrop of a poverty index report by the National Bureau of Statistics, which indicated that 30% of Abia State residents live in multi-dimensional poverty. The public has also criticized the governor for the poor state of infrastructure, particularly around Nkwo Ngwa market in Aba, where residents lament worsening road conditions and alleged government inaction.
These developments have heightened scrutiny of Governor Otti’s administration and its fiscal priorities, with calls for accountability and transparency growing louder across the state.
Source Our heritage reporters online .
