Group rejects Abia’s fiscal ranking, cites Otti’s development strides

A civic organisation, Citizens Alliance for Democratic Accountability (CADA), has rejected recent claims questioning fiscal transparency in Abia State, insisting that the administration of Governor Alex Otti is delivering visible and measurable development outcomes.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, CADA’s National President, Amb. Ibrahim B. Farouk, said the group’s position followed an on-the-ground assessment across states in the South-East, where it evaluated infrastructure, public services, and governance performance based on residents’ experiences.

“Any evaluation that ignores the lived realities of citizens and instead relies solely on theoretical frameworks risks conclusions detached from the truth on the ground. In Abia today, governance is visible in the roads people drive on, the businesses reopening, and the renewed confidence in public institutions,” Farouk said.

The group highlighted improvements in road infrastructure, particularly in Aba and Umuahia, noting that previously dilapidated routes have been rehabilitated to ease transportation and boost economic activities.

“For years, Abia was defined by impassable roads and urban decay, particularly in Aba, the commercial heartbeat of the state. What we are witnessing now is a deliberate and sustained effort to reverse that decline. Strategic road projects have not only improved mobility but also restored the dignity of communities that were previously cut off from economic opportunities,” he stated.

CADA also pointed to progress in electricity supply, describing the state as an exception amid widespread power challenges in the country.

“At a time when many parts of Nigeria are grappling with unreliable power due to countless grid failures, Abia has emerged as a striking exception. Residents and businesses in key areas now enjoy stable electricity. This is the result of deliberate policy direction and investment in alternative power solutions,” Farouk added.

On environmental sanitation, the group said the state had recorded notable gains, citing the work of agencies such as the Abia State Environmental Sanitation Agency and the Greater Aba Development Authority.

“Abia was once regarded as one of the dirtiest states in Nigeria, but that has changed under Otti’s administration,” he said.

While cautioning against overreliance on fiscal metrics, Farouk maintained that governance should be assessed holistically.

“To suggest that Abia is lagging without acknowledging the scale of transformation underway is to ignore reality. Governance is ultimately about impact, and the current administration has set a new benchmark; one that is visible, measurable, and deeply felt by the people,” he added.

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