We Borrow to Build, Not to Eat – Gov. Otti Clears Air on Debt, Party Loyalty Amid Political Speculations
By Pan Afric Reporters
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has firmly refuted claims that his administration has been borrowing recklessly, declaring that Abia under his leadership has not taken a single loan in over two years. Speaking during a welcome dinner for the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council in Umuahia on Tuesday, July 1st, Governor Otti emphasized that his government will only borrow for regenerative investments—not for consumption.
“There is nothing wrong with criticizing the government, but you must criticize with facts. Opinions are free but facts are sacred,” the Governor declared while addressing top government officials and members of the Council.
Referencing a recent report by the Debt Management Office (DMO), Dr. Otti revealed that Abia State achieved the highest debt reduction in the country—cutting down its public debt exposure by 57.20% between March 2024 and March 2025.
“So when we say we have not borrowed, we know what we are talking about,” he said to resounding applause. “But that doesn’t mean we won’t borrow when necessary. We will borrow for capital expenditure—projects that regenerate value. We will not borrow to eat or for political handouts.”
Governor Otti according to a report by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha also used the opportunity to address growing speculations about his alleged plan to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or join a coalition of opposition parties. Dismissing the rumours, he reaffirmed his loyalty to the Labour Party, noting that the party’s internal disputes have been conclusively settled by the Supreme Court.
“I’m still a member of the Labour Party and not looking for where to decamp to. We are not attending any coalition meetings. Nobody has invited me, and I have not shown interest,” he clarified.
The Governor reiterated that his administration is focused on delivering good governance to the people of Abia, not engaging in political distractions.
“Our people are not looking for stomach infrastructure. They want good roads, clean water, and a supportive environment to thrive. That’s what we’re focused on,” Otti asserted.
Highlighting upcoming infrastructure plans, Governor Otti announced that a major water project will soon be flagged off in Aba, with similar projects planned for Umuahia and other parts of the state.
He also unveiled the newly created Project Implementation Bureau, headed by Mr. Onyinye Nwosu, an Abia-born technocrat who left a career at General Electric in Canada to contribute to the state’s development.
Governor Otti expressed gratitude to members of the 20-member Abia Global Economic Advisory Council for their dedication and strategic input, which he credited for many of the administration’s successes.
Council Co-Chair, Professor Ms. Arunma Oteh, commended the administration’s progress, saying, “Abia is now truly number one—not just in name but also in performance.”
The event, which marked the kickoff of the 2025 mid-year retreat for government appointees, also featured a ceremonial cake-cutting to celebrate the Council’s first anniversary.
Members of the Council in attendance included: Prof. Ms. Arunma Oteh, Mrs. Ifueko Okauru, Mr. Victor Onyenkpa, Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor, Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu, and Dr. Olugbenga Adesida.
As Abia continues on its path of reform and revitalization, Governor Otti’s message was clear: his administration is here to do things right—and that means borrowing only to build, never to waste.
