Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has pledged commitment to financial transparency and equitable distribution of resources, vowing that all funds accruing to the state would be utilized solely for the benefit of the people, rather than being appropriated to a select few.
Governor Otti stated this at Ohafia Local Government Area Headquarters during aTown Hall Meeting with the people of Abia North Senatorial Zone, as part of activities to mark his first year in Office.
The Governor who underscored the present administration shift from past governance money sharing practices, said he would make judicious use of state resources for public good rather than personal gain.
“One point that I will like to make is that alot of people do not accept change easily but it is nothing to worry about. This is a government that has come to change things.
“People were used to sharing money. At the end of every month, money would be collected from the Federal allocation and probably internally generated sources and they will be shared hand to hand.
“Of course you will agree with me that it is only those that are close to government or were close to government that will get the share of the money.
“Unfortunately things have changed. This is not the government that shares money, this is a government that uses money to work for the people.
“My attitude to politicians; the so called politicians who come to me to say they are hungry, I tell them that I am hungry too, that the difference is that we will use the money to work for our people.
“What we have done from last year is that every money that accures to Abia people is used for Abia people not shared by a select few.
“As you go back to your various communities, please take this message to them that things have changed and never again will we return to Egypt.”, Otti declared.
Governor Otti who also emphasized his administration’s commitment to accountability and transparency, said that he will submit himself to audit by the time his government is over and urged those working with him to also prepare for audit by the time they leave office “because you will surely be called to account” .
The Governor while expressing gratitude to the people for their unwavering support and electoral participation which cuminated in his victory at the polls, stated that the town hall melting would affords him the opportunity to interact with the people, identify their needs and fashion out ways to move their communities forward.
He assured the people of Abia North Senatorial District of his resolve towards addressing infrastructural challenges in the zone as part ofI his grassroot development agenda.
In his address on behalf of the five Mayors of Abia North-representing Arochukwu, Bende, Isiukwuato, and Umunneochi, the Mayor Ohafia LGA Chief David Ogba noted that the visit which marked the Governor’s first engagement with the grassroots communities of Abia North since his election victory, underscores his dedication to addressing the challenges faced by the communities.
“By listening to our voices, concerns, and ideas, you are fostering a governance model that is truly for the people and by the people. This inclusivity not only strengthens our communities but also sets a precedent for a more engaged and responsive government“, he noted.
Chief Ogba while commending Governor Otti for his transformative initiatives in all sectors of the state economy assured the Governor of the support from the Mayors and the people in achieving unprecedented growth and development for Abia North and the state at large.
The Town Hall meeting which provided an opportunity for stakeholders and Community leaders in Abia North to present their challenges to the Governor also featured presentation of scorecards by the five Mayors that make up Abia North Senatorial zone.
