Aisha Yesufu, a prominent human rights activist, has vehemently denounced Governor Alex Otti of Abia State for what she deems excessive spending on refreshments, meals, honorarium, allowances, and welfare packages over a three-month period.
Yesufu firmly asserts that the conventional governance approach being pursued is unacceptable and advocates for a transition towards more unconventional practices.
The critique comes in response to revelations found in the Abia State budget performance report titled “Abia State Third Quarter (July – September) 2023 Budget Performance.”
Various news outlets have reported on the contents of the report, which is purportedly available on the state government’s official website.
“This Q3 and Year to date performance is assessed against the revised 2023 Budget that covers the Original Budget plus an Amendment Virement sum of N22,263,269,900 as summarised below,” the report outlined.
Within the specified timeframe, the Otti-led government purportedly expended N223,389,889.84 on refreshments and meals, N305,400,000.00 on honorarium and sitting allowances for government officials, and N397,520,734.00 on welfare packages.
Furthermore, the report disclosed a claim that the the Deputy Governor’s office used N252.4 million for its running for three months.
Taking to her social media platform on Monday, Aisha Yesufu expressed her incredulity at the government’s reported expenditure, posting,
Business as usual can never be the way to go. It must be business unusual. Expenditure must be reduced to the barest minimum. Almost a billion on food and welfare in 3 months? @alexottiofr get organizations like @TrackaNG to help keep you on your toes and monitor your spending and what to cut down on. @Nedunaija this is not good at all.
