The Abians for Sustenance of Good Governance (ASGG), an advocacy group, has appealed for restraint over what it described as unwarranted media attacks on the administration of Governor Alex Otti.
Speaking at a press conference in Umuahia on Thursday, the group’s leader, Chief Dannie Ubani, said the negative narratives against Governor Otti were politically motivated and aimed at distracting the Abia State Government from its developmental agenda.
Ubani expressed concern that certain political voices were deliberately spreading misleading information to discredit the administration’s achievements and sow discord among the people.
He described such actions as “unpatriotic”, warning that falsehoods and sensational claims about the state’s finances could undermine public trust and derail ongoing projects.
According to him, available Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) records indicate that Abia receives an average of N14 billion monthly, contrary to the N38 billion figure being circulated by political detractors.
He said that Governor Otti inherited massive liabilities, including unpaid salaries, pension arrears, and decayed infrastructure, but has since restored confidence through prudent governance.
Ubani also noted that over 5,000 teachers have been transparently recruited, while 1,359 youths have undergone digital skills training under the Abia Tech-Rise Project.
He added that 302 Abia youths were trained in modern agricultural techniques at CSS Global Integrated Farms, Nasarawa State, as part of the administration’s youth empowerment initiative.
Ubani also revealed that the State’s debt profile had reduced from ₦138 billion in May 2023 to ₦72 billion, reflecting a ₦66 billion drop in less than two years.
He further highlighted key infrastructure projects undertaken by the present administration to include the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road, Ohanku Road, Ohafia-Uzuakoli-Arochukwu Road, and the historic Omenuko Bridge.
Ubani warned that political rivalry should not be allowed to erode the peace and stability currently being enjoyed in Abia under Governor Otti’s leadership.
He urged political actors to prioritise the stability and progress of the state, insisting that governance should not be sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition.
Ubani maintained that while the present administration welcomes scrutiny, criticisms must be factual, objective, and devoid of malice.
“Abians care less about political parties; what they want is good governance, accountability, and transparency, which the Otti-led administration continues to deliver,” he stated.
Ubani reaffirmed ASGG’s support for the Governor and called on the people of Abia to unite in sustaining peace and development across the state.
