In a move to reinforce transparency and fiscal responsibility in governance, the Abia State Due Process and Public Procurement Bureau has successfully defended its 2025 Virement before the State House of Assembly, aligning its financial strategies with the reform-driven agenda of Governor Alex Chioma Otti.
The budget defense, which took place before the Abia State House of Assembly Joint Committee on Appropriation and Budget and Planning yesterday (Friday 25th July, 2025), provided a platform for the Bureau to present a detailed breakdown of its income and expenditure profile.
The presentation was geared toward clarifying the Bureau’s financial requirements for the remainder of the fiscal year and justifying allocations already captured in the approved 2025 budget.
The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Due Process, Dr. Oluebube Chukwu, who led the Bureau’s delegation, described the exercise as a demonstration of Governor Otti’s commitment to institutional accountability and governance anchored on transparency.
In his words: “This process is consistent with our drive to uphold due process and probity in public expenditure. The atmosphere was highly engaging, and it enabled both the legislature and the executive to exchange perspectives and enhance mutual understanding of budgetary expectations.”
He emphasized that Governor Otti’s administration is not only keen on efficient public spending but also on creating systems that promote openness, integrity, and alignment with development goals.
Dr. Chukwu further added that the Bureau remains a pivotal institution in the Otti-led administration, championing procurement reforms and fostering a culture of fiscal discipline and ethical governance across the public sector.
The House of Assembly’s Joint Committee on Appropriation and Budget is currently reviewing supplementary budget proposals from all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure alignment with the state’s financial projections and developmental targets for Year 2025.
The session was overseen by the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation and Budget and Planning, Hon. Akachukwu Stephen Ucheonye and co-chair Hon. Mathias Umeh Nwankwo. The Deputy Clerk of the State House of Assembly and Secretary of the Committee on Appropriation, Mrs. Virginia Igbanigbor with her team were on hand to manage the process and commended the Chukwu-led Bureau for its thorough presentation and response to raised issues.
Accompanying the Due Process Bureau head, Dr. Oluebube Chukwu was the Bureau’s Director of Finance, among others.
