Hon. Lucky Udoka Nweke Johnson, the Member representing Isiukwuato State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, has thrown his full support behind Gov Alex Otti’s 2026 Budget Estimate, describing it as one of the most courageous and development-focused fiscal documents ever presented in the state.
He commended the governor for prioritising capital expenditure and adopting what he called a “future-shaping” approach to governance.
Recall that Gov Otti had on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N1.016 trillion to lawmakers, christened the Budget of Acceleration and New Possibilities. The budget allocates N811.8 billion, representing an unprecedented 80 percent, to capital projects, with N204.4 billion (20 percent) set aside for recurrent expenditure.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the budget presentation, Hon. Johnson said the fiscal plan reflects clarity of purpose, strong political will and a genuine commitment to rebuilding Abia State.
According to him, “What Gov. Alex Otti has presented is not just a budget but a bold blueprint for real development. This is the kind of financial planning Abia has needed for decades, one that prioritises infrastructure, human capital and sustainable growth. The governor has again demonstrated that his loyalty is to Abia and Abians, not to political interests.”
Hon. Johnson noted that the heavy capital allocation was a decisive break from practices of past administrations, where recurrent spending dominated at the expense of tangible development. He said the new fiscal direction would accelerate economic expansion, improve service delivery and strengthen institutions across the state.
“The decision to commit 80 percent of the budget to capital projects shows courage and vision,” he added. “It means more roads, better schools, improved hospitals and stronger public services. It means the government is investing in things that will uplift communities, create jobs and empower our people. This is the direction any responsible leadership should follow.”
He paid special attention to the education and health sectors, which together received 35 percent of the total budget. With N203.2 billion allocated to education and N149.7 billion to health, the Isiukwuato lawmaker said the allocations align perfectly with the needs of the state.
“For me, the governor’s approach to education and health is particularly reassuring,” Hon. Johnson stated. “Investing in teachers, building technical colleges and rehabilitating over a hundred schools will transform our learning environment. The health sector allocations will strengthen hospitals, expand primary healthcare and ensure that people in rural communities also feel the impact of government.”
Hon. Johnson emphasized that Isiukwuato, like many other parts of the state, stands to benefit significantly from the extensive infrastructure development programmed for 2026. With N169.3 billion earmarked for road construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation, he expressed hope that roads within his constituency and adjoining communities would be improved to enhance mobility and economic activities.
“My people in Isiukwuato deserve good roads, functional schools and a reliable health system. This budget gives us confidence that these long-standing needs will be addressed,” he said. “The governor’s insistence that all recurrent expenditure will be funded from internally generated revenue is also a sign of fiscal discipline and responsible governance.”
Hon. Johnson also applauded the governor’s stance on borrowing, noting that limiting loans strictly to capital projects would safeguard the state from waste and future financial distress.
“The governor has made it clear that Abia will only borrow when necessary and only for projects that can repay themselves. That is a responsible approach, and it shows he is planning not just for today but for future generations,” he noted.
The lawmaker urged his colleagues in the Assembly to give the budget accelerated consideration, promising his full collaboration to ensure its smooth passage.
“As representatives of the people, we owe it to Abians to support policies that advance development and improve lives,” Hon. Johnson said. “This budget deserves our backing because it is structured, logical and focused on real impact. I stand fully with Dr Alex Otti on this.”
He concluded by praising Abians for their support for the current administration and assured them that the coming year would deliver even greater progress.
“With the direction the state is moving, it is clear that Abia’s best years are not ahead somewhere in the distant future. They are already emerging,” he said.
0 Comments