Abia State has said that the office of the governor did not spend close to one billion naira on feeding and welfare in the third quarter period, as reported in some social media stories.
A press statement signed by Kazie Uko, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Alex Otti, explained that it has only spent a total of N223,389,889.84 on meals and refreshments for the period.
According to the press release, the figure captured the expenditures of all the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), not just those of the Office of the Governor, as contained in the social media reports.
” 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.
