Prince Paul Ikonne, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) figure from Abia State, has publicly challenged Governor Alex Otti to substantiate claims regarding the reported ₦54 billion spent on educational infrastructure within the state. Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Ujo Justice, Ikonne emphasized the need for clear evidence of schools renovated under the purported expenditure to quell growing public concerns about financial accountability in Abia.
The dispute arises in the wake of Governor Otti’s recent media briefing during which he denied allegations that the ₦54 billion was unaccounted for or missing from the state’s treasury. Otti dismissed these assertions as unfounded, attributing them to misunderstandings related to government budgeting and spending procedures.
However, Ikonne refuted this defense, citing official budget performance data alongside an investigative report by Sahara Reporters. This report revealed that ₦54.066 billion was documented as school rehabilitation expenditure in the last quarter of 2024 alone, with a total of ₦58.323 billion recorded for the entire fiscal year.
“If indeed only ₦2.1 billion was expended, as the governor claims, then the discrepancy between that figure and the official records must be reconciled,” Ikonne stated. He also referenced a precedent from a former administration that had announced ₦18 billion for school renovation without yielding visible improvements, highlighting ongoing concerns about transparency and fiscal management within the state government.
Further scrutiny is warranted considering the 2024 approved budget, which reportedly allocated ₦64.7 billion for renovation and remodeling across 51 schools in Abia, averaging approximately ₦1.26 billion per institution. This substantial budgetary provision intensifies demands for accountability and detailed disclosure.
Supporting calls for openness, Ikonne endorsed a Freedom of Information (FOI) petition initiated by the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD). The request seeks a comprehensive itemization of the ₦54 billion expenditure, including the names, locations, and specific details of all schools that have undergone renovations.
“Budgets are projections, but expenditures are factual. If the governor disputes the ₦54 billion reportedly spent between October and December 2024, the simplest and most transparent solution is to publish a detailed list of the schools involved,” Ikonne asserted, underscoring the public’s demand for tangible proof over evasions.
He further called on Governor Otti to reject political propaganda and instead uphold principles of accountability and openness, which are essential attributes of responsible governance.
Related Developments in Abia State Education Funding
Governor Otti previously stated that ₦14.43 billion was invested in retrofitting 61 public schools across Abia.
APC stakeholders have raised questions about the legitimacy of the ₦54 billion school renovation budget.
Former National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) executive, Ikonne, has also publicly queried the large expenditure figures for Abia’s educational infrastructure.
The ongoing debate reflects critical issues of fiscal transparency and governance that significantly impact the quality and delivery of education in Abia State. As calls for detailed disclosures and official documentation grow louder, the administration’s response will be closely monitored by residents, opposition figures, and civil society groups alike.