Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, expressed his concern over the mismanagement of funds belonging to Abia State in the past, stating that it was treated as casually as blood tonic by certain individuals.
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During a retreat at the Government House in Umuahia, Otti urged the heads of various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to develop effective and sustainable strategies to enhance the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
He emphasized that if the IGR is strengthened, Abia State will no longer have to rely on loans to finance its 2024 budget.
Otti also criticized the practice of states seeking federal government allocations, stating that governments should generate their own income to cover their expenses.
He expressed optimism that by the end of the year, the state would not have borrowed as much as it had budgeted for.
Additionally, Otti clarified that the repeal of the pension law for ex-governors and their deputies was a cost-cutting measure and not a targeted attack on any individual.
He urged politicians who had previously misused Abia’s funds to understand that the era of such practices was over, emphasizing the need for sacrifices and a focus on the state’s best interests.
