From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Due Process, Dr Oluebube Chukwu, has said the Abia State Q3 budget expenses was in line with international best practices.
Reports circulating on social media claimed Abia State government’s expenditure on food and welfare in the Governor’s office in the time under review was over N900m.
However, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Kazie Uko, debunked the figure, saying what Government spent in that regard across MDAs and other agencies was about N200m.
Speaking to Newsmen in his office at Government House Umuahia, Dr Chukwu stated that the publication of the Q3 budget report of the Abia State government was in line with the government’s commitment to transparency, good governance and fiscal discipline.
He emphasised that the decision to publish the Q3 budget expenses stems from the government’s unwavering dedication to fostering trust and ensuring that citizens are well-informed about the allocation and utilisation of public funds.
“This move reflects a global trend where governments are increasingly recognising the importance of transparency in building public confidence.
“The comprehensive breakdown of expenditures includes allocations for key sectors such as healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare and providing this level of detail not only enhances accountability but also allows citizens to actively engage in the governance process by understanding how their tax contributions are being utilised for the betterment of the state.
“Moreover, the publication of the Q3 budget expenses serves as a model for other states in Nigeria, setting a precedence for proactive disclosure of financial information,” he stated.
Dr Chukwu added that the state government in a bid to ensure accessibility, has made available the budget breakdown through various channels, including the Abia State government official website and public libraries.
“This accessibility is essential for fostering a culture of civic participation, as it empowers citizens to actively monitor government spending and contribute to the overall development agenda.
“The decision to disclose the Q3 budget expenses aligns with global standards recommended by institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank,” adding that by adhering to these standards, the Abia State government aims to enhance its credibility on the international stage.