The Digest:
In the arena of political accountability, a public dispute over numbers reveals a deeper struggle over narrative. Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has officially refuted claims by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu that the state receives N38 billion in monthly allocations, providing detailed figures that place the actual sum at N15.6 billion.
Key Points:
- Governor Alex Otti clarified that Abia’s total monthly FAAC allocation is N15.625 billion.
- This figure includes the share for the state’s local government areas.
- The statement countered Deputy Speaker Kalu’s claim of N38bn-N40bn monthly.
- Otti’s administration stated the 8-month 2025 total allocation is N125 billion.
- It noted that despite naira depreciation, the government has prudently managed resources.
- The state workforce has grown from 31,000 to over 67,000 civil servants.
- The government also raised the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000.
Sources: Vanguard
