Governor Otti Commits to Prudent Borrowing, Financial Reform in Abia

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has pledged to borrow funds for state operations only when absolutely necessary. He made this statement during a public lecture commemorating his second anniversary in office, held in Umuahia on Wednesday.

Responding to points raised by the guest speaker, former Minister of Finance Dr. Idika Kalu, Governor Otti emphasized that his administration would avoid reckless borrowing, maintaining that all financial decisions would be grounded in fiscal discipline and long-term responsibility.

He highlighted that timely payment of salaries and pensions has been a priority, arguing that it is more economically prudent than stockpiling funds in bank accounts.

“Our focus for the next two years is to solidify the reforms already introduced,” Otti said. “We envision Abia as a center for innovation and transformational thinking, and we are open to ideas that will keep us moving forward.”

Dr. Kalu, who delivered the keynote address titled “Two Years of Transformation: Sustaining the Momentum,” encouraged Governor Otti to consider borrowing for development projects that will yield long-term value for the state. He stated that borrowing isn’t inherently bad if it’s channeled into initiatives that benefit citizens and boost growth.

Kalu also stressed the powerful role of the media in governance, advising the governor to engage journalists not just as messengers but as partners in the reform process.

He praised several of the governor’s ongoing and completed projects and called for strict adherence to the rule of law. Kalu warned that failure to punish those who act with impunity undermines modernization and societal progress.