Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has pledged that his administration will borrow funds only when absolutely necessary.
Speaking in Umuahia during a lecture marking his second year in office, Otti emphasised financial discipline and responsible governance.
Responding to former Finance Minister Dr. Idika Kalu, Otti said reckless borrowing would not be part of his administration’s strategy.
He noted that paying workers and pensioners promptly makes better economic sense than hoarding funds.
“We will use the remaining two years to institutionalise ongoing reforms and position Abia as a hub for transformational ideas,” Otti said.
The Governor stressed the importance of openness to innovation and continuous growth.
Dr. Kalu, in his lecture titled “Two Years of Transformation: Sustaining the Momentum,” encouraged Otti to borrow strategically for value-creating projects.
He urged him to leverage the media for development.
He also praised Otti’s achievements and urged adherence to the rule of law, transparency and accountability to fight impunity and promote modernisation.
It’s refreshing to hear Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to financial discipline and responsible governance. His emphasis on borrowing only when necessary shows a clear understanding of the economic challenges facing Abia State. Prompt payment of workers and pensioners is indeed a step in the right direction, as it boosts morale and stimulates the local economy. The focus on innovation and continuous growth is commendable, but I wonder how these reforms will be sustained beyond his tenure. Dr. Kalu’s advice on strategic borrowing for value-creating projects is also noteworthy, but how will the administration ensure these projects are executed efficiently? Overall, it’s encouraging to see a leader prioritising transparency and accountability, but I’m curious about the specific measures in place to fight impunity. What are your thoughts on the balance between borrowing and economic growth in Abia State?