‘We blocked looters to deliver results’ – says Governor Otti
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said the state’s recent strides in development are a direct result of his administration’s strict control over public finances and reduction in the cost of governance.
Speaking during the funeral of Evelyn Ekeke Nunya, mother of Chinedu Ekeke, chairman of the state chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Otti explained that past abuse of public funds had deprived citizens of needed development.
“We don’t allow people to steal the money. That’s why we’re able to do many of the things we’re doing. Once you steal it, it’s no longer available for public use,” the governor said.
He noted that his Labour Party-led government made it a priority to limit wasteful government spending, calling high governance costs a major problem in Nigeria.
“There is something called reining in the cost of governance. Part of our strategy is to pull it down so we can use the money to work for the people,” Otti added.
The governor praised the late Evelyn Nunya for her resilience and sacrifice, especially in ensuring her children received formal education despite not having one herself.
In his remarks, Chinedu Ekeke thanked the governor for attending the funeral, describing his presence as a significant honour that would have made his mother proud.
