Abia govt’s claim of spending N54bn on renovation of 53 schools laughable, insulting –  Ikonne

Former Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Lands Development Authority (NALDA), Prince Paul Ikonne, has questioned the Abia State Government’s declaration that ₦54 billion was spent on renovating and constructing 53 public schools.

Speaking through his media aide, Ujo Justice, PhD, during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ukwa, Ikonne described the figures released by the Alex Otti administration as “deeply suspicious, laughable, and insulting to the collective intelligence of Abians,” citing the poor condition of schools across the state.

The state’s official financial report, signed by Accountant General Njum Uma-Onyemenam—shows Abia generated ₦320 billion in 2024 from FAAC allocations, internally generated revenue, and capital receipts (excluding local government revenue and loans). Among major expenditures listed was “rehabilitation of Public Schools” at a cost of ₦54.07 billion.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Ikonne said: “What we see in Ukwa and several other parts of Abia is an education sector that is visibly in ruins. Ceilings are caving in, blackboards are barely usable, roofs are missing, walls are covered in moss, and some students still sit on bare floors under leaking roofs. If ₦54 billion was truly spent, then show us where. Which schools? What exactly was done? Let the government name them and take us there.”

He challenged the government to publish a detailed breakdown of the expenditure, including contractors, school locations, timelines, and visual evidence of completed projects. Anything less, he argued, would amount to “blatant disrespect for accountability.”

Ikonne further called on Governor Alex Otti to organize an independent inspection tour involving journalists, civil society groups, and impartial observers to verify the claimed renovations.

“Until then,” he warned, “this ₦54 billion remains a phantom project—something that only exists on budget documents and media headlines.”

Emphasizing the plight of tertiary institutions, Ikonne cited the Abia State College of Health Sciences and Management Technology, where collapsing structures have left students in unsafe learning conditions.

“If we can’t even maintain our own 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 added.

Ikonne also noted that with increased federal allocations under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, states like Abia have greater resources to improve key sectors.

“The President, in his wisdom, has ensured that more resources flow to the states. One would have expected that the Abia State government would utilize 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.”

Stressing that governance should deliver tangible results rather than publicity stunts, Ikonne questioned:

“How on earth does anyone justify spending ₦54 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.”

He urged civil society organizations, anti-corruption agencies, and oversight bodies to demand transparency and accountability from the Abia government.