Ex-Abia Commissioner petitions EFCC, ICPC over ₦54bn school renovation funds, raising corruption fears and political pressure on Gov. Alex Otti.
The political atmosphere in Abia State is heating up after a former Commissioner for Information, Barrister Eze Chikamnayo, formally accused Governor Alex Otti’s administration of mismanaging ₦54 billion purportedly spent on school renovation projects.
Chikamnayo, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and vocal critic of the Labour Party-led government, has petitioned Nigeria’s two foremost anti-graft agencies—the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)—calling for a full-scale probe into what he described as “suspicious, undocumented and unverified expenditures.”
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Allegations of Transparency Gaps
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Chikamnayo claimed that the Abia State Government had repeatedly announced the completion of 51 school renovation projects across the state between the first and fourth quarters of 2024. However, he argued that critical details such as the names of the schools, specific locations, contractors engaged, contract sums, and photographic evidence of completed works were conspicuously absent from official records.
“When a government claims to have spent ₦54 billion on schools without publishing where the projects were carried out, who handled them, or evidence of completion, it is a red flag pointing to systemic corruption,” Chikamnayo said.
He alleged that such secrecy was inconsistent with global standards of public accountability, particularly given that the funds involved run into tens of billions.
Calls for Wider Investigations
Chikamnayo disclosed that he had extended his petition beyond local agencies, calling on the National Assembly, the Federal Ministry of Finance, Transparency International, and even the World Bank to wade into the matter.
His argument is that funds of such magnitude, even if locally sourced, should not be expended without proper documentation. According to him, the international community must take note since development partners such as the World Bank and UNESCO often track Nigeria’s spending on education-related projects.
Otti’s Administration Under Pressure
Governor Alex Otti, who assumed office in May 2023, rode into power on a campaign promise of transparency, reforms, and massive infrastructure renewal in Abia State. His supporters argue that his administration has already made notable progress in areas like road construction, healthcare, and school upgrades.
However, the ₦54 billion school renovation claim now threatens to overshadow his reformist image. Critics argue that without a public audit of the projects, questions will linger about whether the government truly delivered value for money.
Political analysts say the case could become one of the defining moments of Otti’s first term, particularly as opposition figures seek to capitalize on any perceived weaknesses in his governance style.
Civil Society and Opposition Reactions
Civil society organizations in Abia have already begun demanding answers. The Abia Transparency Movement (ATM), a coalition of advocacy groups, has called for an independent panel to verify the existence and completion status of the 51 schools.
Similarly, the APC in Abia State described the allegations as “deeply troubling,” insisting that the Labour Party government must publish a project-by-project breakdown of the ₦54 billion expenditure.
An opposition lawmaker in the Abia State House of Assembly, who preferred anonymity, told journalists:
“If these projects exist, then the governor should have no problem making their details public. But if they don’t, then Abians deserve to know what really happened to ₦54 billion of taxpayers’ money.”
Broader Implications for 2027 Politics
The controversy comes at a politically sensitive time. With Nigeria’s 2027 general elections gradually approaching, any perception of corruption could erode Otti’s popularity, not just in Abia but across the South-East where he is considered a rising political figure.
Opposition parties, particularly the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are expected to use the allegations to weaken the Labour Party’s hold in Abia, a state that has historically been a PDP stronghold.
For Otti, how swiftly and transparently his administration addresses these claims may determine whether he maintains his reformist reputation or becomes enmeshed in corruption controversies that have haunted previous Abia leaders.
The Need for Transparency in Education Spending
Education funding in Nigeria remains a contentious issue, with UNESCO repeatedly warning that the country spends far below the recommended 15–20% of its annual budget on education.
In this context, the alleged expenditure of ₦54 billion on school renovations in just one year by a single state should ordinarily be celebrated. But without transparency and evidence of tangible outcomes, such spending risks being dismissed as wasteful or fraudulent.
Experts argue that publishing the names of the schools, project costs, contractors, and monitoring reports would go a long way in restoring public trust. Development partners, too, are more likely to support future interventions when transparency is guaranteed.
What Happens Next?
The petitions to EFCC and ICPC are expected to trigger at least preliminary investigations. Both agencies are mandated by law to scrutinize such complaints, especially when they involve billions of naira.
If the agencies take up the case, investigators may demand contract papers, site visits, and testimonies from contractors, ministry officials, and independent auditors. The outcome could either exonerate Governor Otti’s administration or raise further accountability questions.
For now, the Abia State Government has not issued a detailed response to Chikamnayo’s allegations. Observers note that silence may not be the best strategy, given how quickly corruption claims can shape public opinion.
Conclusion
The allegations by ex-commissioner Eze Chikamnayo against Governor Alex Otti have opened a fresh chapter in Abia’s governance debate. At stake is not just ₦54 billion allegedly spent on school renovations, but also the credibility of a government elected on promises of transparency and reform.
As EFCC, ICPC, and other oversight institutions consider their next moves, the people of Abia State—and indeed Nigeria—await answers. Whether this case ends as another unproven political tussle or evolves into a landmark corruption probe will depend largely on the actions of anti-graft agencies and the willingness of the government to publish verifiable evidence.
For now, the controversy remains one of the most closely watched stories in Abia politics, with potential ripple effects on governance, accountability, and the approaching 2027 elections.
