A prominent indigene of Isiala-Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State, Mr. Eke O. Ako, has accused Governor Alex C. Otti of deliberately abandoning Isiala-Ngwa North and South Local Government Areas, citing what he described as poor project execution despite significant state and local government revenues.
In an open letter addressed to political leaders and supporters of the governor from the area, Mr. Ako alleged that financial records from the Abia State Accountant-General’s reports for 2023 and 2024 do not reflect meaningful development in the two LGAs.
According to him, Abia State reportedly earned a combined revenue of ₦632 billion between 2023 and 2024, with ₦219 billion recorded in 2023 and ₦413 billion in 2024.
“From the figures published in the Accountant-General’s reports, Governor Alex C. Otti claimed to have spent only ₦60 million on capital projects in Isiala-Ngwa North and South in 2023, and ₦6.8 billion in 2024,” Ako stated.
He described the allocation as grossly inadequate, arguing that two LGAs out of the state’s 17 councils should not receive “less than ₦7 billion in capital development out of ₦632 billion earned by the state.”
More troubling, he claimed, is the absence of visible projects on ground.
“There are no projects in the LGAs to justify the ₦6.86 billion claimed by the government. No roads, no schools, no hospitals—nothing. Even our LGA headquarters is an eyesore,” he said.
Mr. Ako further raised concerns about local government finances, noting that Isiala-Ngwa North and South reportedly received nearly ₦23 billion in FAAC allocations between 2023 and 2024, excluding internally generated revenue, grants, and other receipts.
“After estimated operating expenses of about ₦5.5 billion, the LGAs should still have close to ₦17 billion. Yet there is no significant project anywhere in Isiala-Ngwa North or South,” he alleged.
The community leader also criticised political figures from the area for publicly endorsing Governor Otti, accusing them of prioritising personal interests over community welfare.
“You have held multiple rallies praising the governor while our people survive on handouts in the midst of plenty,” he wrote. “Why are you doing this to our people?”
Questioning future political support, Ako asked, “Why should any Isiala-Ngwa person vote for Governor Otti in 2027?” and demanded accountability for local government funds.
He further highlighted prolonged power outages in the area, stating that “there has been no electricity in Umuehim Community, Governor Otti’s own community, and most parts of Isiala-Ngwa for almost one year.”
Calling for collective action, he urged leaders from the area to demand better governance.
“At what point are you going to demand good governance for our people? Must we continue in perpetual slavery for the interest of a few?” he asked.
Mr. Ako concluded the letter by describing himself as “a concerned kinsman,” stressing that his intervention was peaceful and motivated by the desire for development in Isiala-Ngwa land.
