Facts vs Propaganda: Alex Otti's Aide Sets Record Straight on Abia Multilateral Loan Facility

The Abia State Government has debunked claims by a group identified as the Abia APC Renaissance Group alleging that Governor Alex Otti's administration had received and utilized over $123 million from multilateral development partners under the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development (ABSIID) Project.

In a detailed clarification issued by Odinakachi Eric Eme, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Multilateral and Donor Agencies, the government described the claims as "reckless, baseless, and politically motivated,ÔÇØ stressing that only $115,000 - and not $123 million - has been received so far, strictly for project takeoff logistics.

"Governance is not theatre; it is grounded in process, accountability, and verifiable truth,ÔÇØ Eme said, adding that the funds were meant for staffing, coordination, and preparatory expenses, and have not been spent.

According to him, no capital disbursement or infrastructure funding has taken place, as the project remains in its early implementation stage. He emphasized that the African Development Bank (AfDB) has launched its component but has yet to release funds for civil works, while the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) component is still under review pending the conclusion of a subsidiary loan agreement.

Eme explained that the ABSIID Project operates under a direct payment system, meaning that funds are paid directly by lenders to verified contractors and consultants, not into Abia State's accounts. He added that even the Canadian Climate Action Africa Facility (CAAF) component, which allows fund inflows into a designated state account, is under tight supervision by the lenders and the Federal Ministry of Finance.

He described the viral publication by the so-called Abia APC Renaissance Group as a smear campaign orchestrated by politically exposed individuals seeking to undermine the government ahead of 2027, warning that such actions threaten Abia's growing international credibility.

"Abia's reputation is not a tool for political battles,ÔÇØ he said. "Those who spent years mortgaging the state's image now find the current transparency uncomfortable. But progress will not stop.ÔÇØ

The statement praised Governor Otti for restoring donor confidence, noting that Abia had regained credibility with international lenders who previously withheld support due to non-compliance and opacity under past administrations.

Eme reiterated that the Otti administration remains focused on transparent, reform-driven governance, anchored on fiscal discipline and international best practices.

"The New Abia is here, and no amount of propaganda will distract us. Facts are stubborn things - and truth always outlives lies,ÔÇØ he concluded.