The Chief Whip of the Abia State House of Assembly and Member representing Umuahia South State Constituency, Hon. Emeka Obioma, has hailed Governor Alex Otti’s 2026 Budget Estimate as a bold, transparent and development-driven plan that demonstrates an unshakable commitment to rebuilding Abia State.
He said the budget reflects sincerity of purpose and a clear vision to reposition the state for long-term structural growth and inclusive prosperity.
Gov Otti on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, presented the N1.016 trillion Appropriation Bill, christened the Budget of Acceleration and New Possibilities, to state lawmakers. The budget commits an unprecedented N811.8 billion, representing 80 percent of the entire fiscal plan to capital expenditure, while N204.4 billion is allocated to recurrent spending.
In a statement, Hon. Obioma described the governor’s fiscal direction as courageous and transformative, insisting that the 2026 budget stands out as one of the most people-focused financial frameworks in the state’s history.
According to him, “What Gov Alex Otti has done is remarkable. This budget is not only ambitious, it is transparent, responsible and deeply rooted in the genuine needs of Abia people. The governor has made a bold commitment to rebuilding Abia from the ground up, and this capital-focused approach is exactly what the state needs at this time.”
Obioma said the budget represents a sharp break from the past, when recurrent expenditure consumed the bulk of public resources without delivering measurable development. He emphasised that the governor’s choice to allocate 80 percent to capital projects shows a rare political will to build infrastructure, strengthen institutions and stimulate economic expansion.
“The governor’s decision to prioritise capital development at this scale is the mark of a leader who truly understands what rebuilding entails,” he said. “This budget puts roads, schools, hospitals, energy, transportation and public services at the centre of growth. It is a budget crafted for real results, not political patronage.”
The lawmaker also commended the substantial allocations to the education and health sectors, which together account for 35 percent of the total budget size. With N203.2 billion earmarked for education and N149.7 billion for health, Obioma said the administration is investing heavily in human capital and frontline services.
“The education allocation is deeply reassuring,” he noted. “The construction of seventeen model schools, establishment of three technical colleges and upgrades in more than one hundred schools will change the learning experience for thousands of children. The health sector investment will equally revitalise our hospitals, improve primary healthcare and strengthen emergency response systems.”
Obioma explained that the 2026 budget also reflects a disciplined approach to public finance, especially the governor’s insistence that all recurrent spending will be financed through internally generated revenue, while concessional loans will be reserved strictly for capital projects.
“This is transparency in action,” he said. “Borrowing only for infrastructure and not for consumption shows a level of integrity and responsibility that Abia desperately needs. It tells investors, development partners and citizens that the state is being managed prudently.”
The Chief Whip also praised the governor’s achievements in the outgoing year, including rehabilitation of over six hundred kilometres of roads, expansion of the state health insurance scheme, restoration of hospitals, and recruitment of thousands of teachers, noting that these accomplishments provide a strong foundation for the 2026 projections.
“These achievements are not political rhetoric,” he stated. “They are visible, measurable and impactful. They prove that the governor is delivering on his promises, making it easier for the legislature and the people to trust the direction of the 2026 budget.”
Hon. Obioma expressed optimism that Umuahia South and other local government areas will greatly benefit from the extensive infrastructure plan, especially with N169.3 billion allocated for road construction, rehabilitation and maintenance in the coming year.
“My constituents in Umuahia South will feel the impact of this budget,” he said. “We have roads, schools, and healthcare needs that require urgent attention. With this capital-heavy direction, I am confident that more of our communities will receive the development they deserve.”
He assured Abians that the State Assembly would give the budget accelerated hearing and meticulous review, emphasising that the legislature remains committed to supporting any policy or plan that prioritises public welfare and development.
“The House is aligned with the vision of building a new Abia,” Obioma stated. “We will give this budget the attention it deserves because it reflects a clear plan to uplift communities, strengthen governance and enhance service delivery.”
Hon. Obioma concluded by urging Abians to remain optimistic and supportive, noting that the state is entering a new phase of rapid development and tangible transformation.
“With the direction this administration is taking, Abia’s progress is becoming undeniable,” he said. “This 2026 budget is another firm step toward a prosperous, rebuilt and modern Abia State.”
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