…as Abia Receives about N38bn monthly revenue
Abia State Commissioner nominee in the Federal Character Commission, FCC, and former Abia State commissioner for finance, Hon. Obinna Oriaku, has criticized the local government administration under Governor Alex Otti.
Speaking on Dawn 103.7 FM national programme “The Agenda”, Oriaku alleged that the local government system is heavily controlled by the state, limiting the autonomy of the local councils.
He cited recent protests by councilors in Osisioma Ngwa over poor constituency projects and insufficient funding, despite the local government receiving an average of N555 million naira monthly as federal allocation, as a clear pointer to State’s interference.
He also noted that delays in disbursement of funds and centralized bank accounts in Abia hinder transparency and accountability.
Speaking further Oriaku criticized Gov. Otti for running the Abia government from his private residence in Isiala Ngwa.
He said his continued stay at Isiala Ngwa is negatively impacting the economy of the state.
Not only that, the former finance Commissioner also raised concerns over the management of the state’s finances under Otti.
He disclosed that the Abia State government recorded a total revenue of ₦114 billion in the second quarter of 2025.
That this averages to about ₦38 billion monthly for March, April, and May, according to figures posted on the state government’s official website.
Oriaku expressed shock that despite these impressive figures, there are no visible projects across the state that reflect such huge revenue in-flow.
Oriaku also alleged that some commissioners in Governor Otti’s cabinet like the Commissioner for Finance receives as much as ₦10 million monthly in salaries.
