|
Listen to article
|
Abia State has denied reports circulating on social media that the governor’s office spent close to one billion naira on feeding and welfare during the third quarter period.
The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Alex Otti, Kazie Uko, in a press statement, detailed that the office had allocated a total of N223,389,889.84 specifically for meals and refreshments during the mentioned period.
The press release clarified that the figure represented the expenses of all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and not just those of the Office of the Governor, 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.
The communication highlighted Governor Otti’s dedication to transparency, which would be a hallmark of his administration.
In light of widespread social media speculation, the Abia State government provided an explanation addressing allegations that the governor’s office had reportedly allocated close to one billion naira specifically for meals and refreshments during the third quarter financial period.
The disclaimer is published to inform the public that the government will lead by example and cut down on the cost of governance while advising rumour mongers to desist from spreading false information against the government.
