Deputy Speaker’s Office Urges Abia Govt To Prioritize Governance Over Propaganda

The Office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives has urged the Abia State Government to focus on good governance, transparency, and accountability, insisting that propaganda cannot replace performance.

The statement, issued and signed by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, was in response to a recent press release by Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser on Media to Governor Alex Otti, titled “Governance in Abia: Benjamin Kalu Needs Tutorials More Than He Needs a Microphone.”

Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, had told members of the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) in Umuahia over the weekend that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would take over Abia State in 2027, citing what he called the poor performance of the Otti administration despite increased financial inflows to the state.

According to Kalu, Abia’s second-quarter 2025 financial report showed the state received an average of ₦38 billion monthly — totaling over ₦114 billion in three months — from federal allocations and other revenue sources.

Despite this, he said, Abia still grapples with poor infrastructure, unpaid pensions, salary arrears, and struggling healthcare facilities.

“The government cannot continue to hide under the excuse of economic hardship when neighboring states operating under similar conditions are delivering tangible results,” the Deputy Speaker said.

The statement accused the Otti administration of resorting to propaganda and personal attacks instead of addressing the substantive issues raised.

It said such theatrics only divert attention from governance failures and growing public dissatisfaction.

“The people of Abia deserve responsible leadership that delivers on promises,” the statement added.

The Deputy Speaker’s office further alleged that with 67,000 workers on its payroll and ₦6.7 billion reportedly spent monthly on salaries, the government had left ₦31.3 billion unaccounted for in the quarter under review.

It also questioned the management of a $263.8 million African Development Bank loan, saying there was little evidence of projects financed with the funds.
On workers’ welfare,

Kalu noted that some civil servants in Abia earn as little as ₦29,000 a month, while nurses receive ₦80,000 — far below the approved ₦340,000 under the CONHESS salary structure.

He described the situation as “disheartening” and urged the state government to prioritize workers’ welfare.

He said the APC-led federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made significant efforts to improve revenue allocation and empower states to deliver development, stressing that Abia’s current financial position provides no justification for stagnation.

“The Deputy Speaker has used his position to attract federal projects, infrastructure, and economic opportunities to Abia State,” the statement said.

“He remains committed to ensuring that the people feel the impact of governance through accountability and service.”

The statement called on Governor Otti to embrace constructive engagement and focus on meeting the aspirations of Abians rather than attacking perceived critics.

“The time for excuses is over,” it said. “Abia deserves progress, not propaganda.”

PR Oduyemi Odumade