Abia State | October 11, 2025 —
Hon Onyekwere Akym Uche (OAU), has applauded Gov. Alex Chioma Otti for demonstrating that purposeful leadership, not high federal allocations, is the true driver of progress and transformation in Abia State.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Friday, OAU dismissed narratives by opposition voices suggesting that Gov Otti’s achievements are a result of federal inflow rather than competent governance. He insisted that such claims are politically motivated and ignore the real factors behind the state’s visible transformation.
“Someone is behind Abia’s progress, not FAAC,” OAU declared. “Allocations alone don’t transform states, true leaders do. The FAAC chart only exposes who is managing well and who is merely making noise. Dr Alex Otti’s record speaks for itself, salaries are being paid, infrastructure is improving, and public confidence in government has been restored.”
According to OAU, the BudgIT Q3 2024 FAAC report has exposed the truth about the financial realities of states across the federation. The report shows that Abia State received ₦30.4 billion in the quarter, far less than oil-rich states like Delta (₦128.3 billion), Rivers (₦107.8 billion), Lagos (₦106.2 billion), and Akwa Ibom (₦88.3 billion). Yet, Abia continues to record steady growth and stability across sectors.
“When you compare what Abia gets to what these states receive, it becomes clear that money alone doesn’t deliver results,” he said.
“Some of the richest states in Nigeria still owe workers, pensioners, and contractors, while projects remain abandoned. But in Abia, where allocations are much smaller, development is ongoing. That’s not luck, that’s leadership.”
OAU further drew attention to how Otti’s administration has managed resources prudently, contrasting it with the fiscal recklessness of previous governments.
“The former administration received good sums in loans, refunds, and allocations but left behind unpaid salaries, debts, and decaying infrastructure. The difference today is transparency and accountability,” he remarked.
He emphasized that the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disburses funds to all states based on a constitutional formula, not presidential discretion, hence no governor should be judged merely by what comes from Abuja.
“It’s wrong to say Abia is progressing because of Tinubu’s money. FAAC is not a favor from the President; it’s a constitutional right. What distinguishes one state from another is how wisely the funds are used. President Tinubu deserves credit for maintaining national revenue stability, but it takes visionary leadership to turn allocations into tangible results,” OAU explained.
He noted that Gov Otti’s style of governance has restored confidence in public service, adding that the Governor’s focus on infrastructure, workers’ welfare, and economic revitalization has earned Abia national recognition.
“Alex Otti has shown that leadership is about direction, not excuses. Even with limited funds, he has proven that integrity and discipline can make a difference. Abia’s success is not from FAAC; it’s from foresight and sound management,” Akym added.
He urged critics to base their arguments on verifiable facts rather than propaganda, stating that the data itself tells the story of efficient leadership in Abia.
“When you study the FAAC figures carefully, you’ll realize that some states receive triple what Abia gets, yet they have little to show. The numbers don’t lie. Abia’s progress is the product of good leadership, not luck,” he stressed.
Concluding his remarks, OAU called on Abians to remain united in supporting the Governor’s development agenda.
“We should celebrate progress when we see it. Gov Alex Otti is setting a new standard of governance, one that places results above rhetoric. Abia is working, not because of FAAC, but because someone is finally leading with purpose,” he stated.
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