A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State and former Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Lands Development Authority (NALDA), Prince Paul Ikonne, has criticised the Governor Alex Otti-led administration’s claim that it spent N54 billion on the construction and retrofitting of public schools across the state.

In a statement issued Sunday in Abuja, Ikonne described the figure as “deeply suspicious, laughable, and insulting to the collective intelligence of Abians,” citing the continued dilapidated state of many schools as evidence that such a sum could not have been genuinely spent.

He challenged the government to justify how N54 billion was reportedly expended on only 53 schools without visible improvements on the ground. “What we see in Ukwa and other parts of the state is an education sector in ruins — leaking roofs, moss-covered walls, caved-in ceilings, and children sitting on bare floors,” Ikonne said.

Quoting a financial report signed by the state’s Accountant General, Njum Uma-Onyemenam, and published on the government’s website in January 2025, Ikonne referenced a claim that N54.07 billion was allocated to school rehabilitation in 2024, out of a total N320 billion generated by the state from FAAC, internally generated revenue, and other capital receipts.

He demanded that the government publish a full breakdown of the N54 billion expenditure — including the names of the schools, contractors, timelines, and photo or video evidence of completed works. “Anything short of this is a blatant disregard for accountability,” he stated.

Ikonne further urged Governor Otti to invite journalists, civil society organisations, and independent observers for an open and unscripted tour of the renovated schools, insisting that transparency is non-negotiable in public spending.

“Until then,” he warned, “this N54 billion remains a phantom project—something that only exists on budget documents and media headlines.”

He also pointed to the dilapidated condition of state-owned tertiary institutions such as the Abia State College of Health Sciences and Management Technology, where parts of the buildings have collapsed, leaving students in unsafe and non-conducive learning environments.

“If we can’t even maintain our health college, how can we claim that we’re making progress in education? It is an utter disgrace and a sign of failed priorities,” he said.

Furthermore, Prince Ikonne reminded the public that under the current federal administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, states now enjoy increased federal allocations.

“The President, in his wisdom, has ensured that more resources flow to the states. One would have expected that the Abia State government would utilise this opportunity to transform critical sectors like education, health, and road infrastructure. Instead, what we are seeing is media packaging, propaganda, and empty political marketing.”

He emphasised that good governance is not about viral videos or curated press releases but about results that citizens can see and benefit from.

“How on earth does anyone justify spending N54 billion on just 53 schools, with nothing visible to show? This must not be swept under the carpet. Abians must ask questions. Lawmakers must wake up. We need a comprehensive forensic audit of this expenditure. Our children deserve better,” Ikonne concluded.

He urged all well-meaning Abians, civil society groups, anti-corruption agencies, and legislative oversight bodies to rise in defence of accountability and demand answers from the state government. (The Nation)