The Government of Abia State has debunked the rumours in a section of the social media suggesting that the government spent close to N1 billion in three months.
In a press statement by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the state governor, Kazie Uko, CPS)
Stated that the Governor Alex Otti led government has only spent a total of N223,389,889.84 on meals and refreshments for the said period.
The statement also clarified that the money was spent across all the ministries, departments and agencies of the government.
“The stated figure covers expenses for special events, such as retreats, conferences, and related events. For welfare, the Abia State Government has so far spent the sum of N397,520,734.84.
“The welfare expenditure is in line with the State Fiscal, Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability Programme (SFTAS), an initiative of the federal government.
“Also, note that the welfare expenditure covers all the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and not just the Governor’s Office, as wrongly alleged expenses under Welfare deal with issues of health, rehabilitation, and public emergencies,” the press statement read in part.
Some social media personalities including the Ms Aisha Yesufu and former presidential media aide, Reno Omokiri had taken to the social media to criticize the Abia State Government being profligate.