According to Abia State, the governor’s office did not spend nearly one billion naira on food and welfare in the third quarter period, as stated in various social media reports.
According to a press statement issued by Kazie Uko, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Alex Otti, the state has only spent N223,389,889.84 on meals and drinks throughout the period.
According to the press statement, the total included all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), not simply those of the Governor’s Office, as reported on social media.
” The stated figure covers expenses for special events, such as retreats, conferences, and related events. For welfare, the Abia State Government has so far spent the sum of N397,520,734.84.
“The welfare expenditure is in line with the State Fiscal, Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability Programme (SFTAS), an initiative of the federal government.
“Also, note that the welfare expenditure covers all the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and not just the Governor’s Office, as wrongly alleged. Expenses under Welfare deal with issues of health, rehabilitation, and public emergencies,” the press statement said.
It added that Governor Otti would always uphold transparency in his administration.
The explanation by the Abia State government followed widespread reports on social media that claimed that the office of the governor alone allegedly spent close to one billion naira on meals and refreshments in the third quarter financial period.