Abia State Clarifies Expenditure: N223m, Not N1bn on Meals and Welfare.
Abia State government has vehemently refuted recent claims circulating on social media that the governor’s office spent close to one billion naira on meals and welfare during the third quarter.
In a press statement signed by Kazie Uko, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Alex Otti, the state clarified that the actual expenditure was N223,389,889.84.
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The released statement emphasised that this figure encapsulates the cumulative expenses incurred by all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), dispelling the misconception that it solely pertains to the governor’s office.
According to the statement, the specified amount covers costs associated with special events such as retreats, conferences, and related functions. Additionally, the state government disclosed that N397,520,734.84 has been allocated to welfare expenditures during the same period.
This welfare spending aligns with the State Fiscal, Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability Programme (SFTAS), an initiative endorsed by the federal government.
It is important to note that the welfare expenses encompass all MDAs and are not exclusive to the Governor’s Office, as inaccurately alleged in certain social media reports. The scope of these expenses addresses crucial issues related to health, rehabilitation, and public emergencies.
The press statement underscored Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to upholding transparency in his administration. The government clarified these financial details to counter the misleading narratives circulating on social media, assuring the public of its dedication to fiscal responsibility.
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