Gov. Otti: “We Will Only Borrow For Investment, Not Consumption” — Addresses Party Defection Rumors, Economic Gains
Governor Alex Otti, OFR, of Abia State has reaffirmed that his administration will only engage in borrowing when it is absolutely necessary — and strictly for investments that will yield long-term returns, not for consumption. He also debunked ongoing speculations about defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or joining any coalition of opposition parties, emphasizing his continued loyalty to the Labour Party.
Governor Otti made the remarks during a welcome dinner held for the Abia State Global Economic Advisory Council, which also signaled the commencement of the 2025 Mid-Year Executive Retreat in Umuahia.
Addressing recent opposition claims alleging financial recklessness, Governor Otti pointed to a Debt Management Office (DMO) report, which placed Abia State as the number one state in Nigeria in terms of debt reduction. Between March 2024 and March 2025, Abia reportedly reduced its debt burden by a remarkable 57.20%, more than any other state.
“There is nothing wrong with criticizing the government, but criticism must be based on facts. We have not borrowed in the last two years, but if we ever do, it will be for capital expenditure — not for consumption or handouts,” Otti stated.
He stressed that his government is committed to responsible economic management and reiterated that borrowing will only be done for regenerative investments, such as infrastructure, water, and public utility projects.
The Governor also used the opportunity to address circulating rumors that he was planning to defect to APC or join a coalition of opposition governors. He dismissed the claims as baseless:
“I’m still a proud member of the Labour Party. I have not attended any coalition meeting. No one has invited me. We are simply focused on the mandate Abians gave us,” he stated.
He acknowledged past internal party issues but confirmed that those had been resolved by the Supreme Court, ensuring the Labour Party remains intact and strong in the state.
Governor Otti further criticized the calls for “stomach infrastructure,” clarifying that Abians are not beggars but hardworking people in need of an enabling environment to thrive.
“Our people want opportunities, not handouts. That’s why we are fixing roads, launching public water projects, and enabling businesses,” he said.
He revealed that portable water is next on the administration’s agenda. Projects have already been lined up in Aba (around CKC) and Umuahia, with flag-offs expected in the coming weeks.
Otti also announced the creation of a Project Implementation Bureau, to be led by Mr. Onyinye Nwosu, an Abia indigene who returned from Canada, leaving his role at General Electric (GE) to contribute to state development.
The Governor lauded the 20-member Abia Global Economic Advisory Council, whose contributions he described as pivotal to the administration’s success.
“Everything revolves around the economy. That’s why we brought in top minds to guide us,” he stated, adding that the Council meets quarterly to provide policy input.
Co-Chair of the Council, Prof. Arunma Oteh, expressed satisfaction with the administration’s performance, noting that Abia has moved from being first alphabetically to being first in execution and performance.
The dinner also featured the one-year anniversary celebration of the Advisory Council’s formation, with a ceremonial cake-cutting attended by top state officials and Council members, including:
- Prof. Arunma Oteh (Co-Chair)
- Mrs. Ifueko Okauru (Chair, Monitoring & Evaluation Committee)
- Mr. Victor Onyenkpa (Chair, Financing & Roadshow Committee)
- Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor (Member)
- Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu (Member)
- Dr. Olugbenga Adesida (Member)
