The Citizens Alliance for Democratic Accountability (CADA) has rejected recent claims questioning fiscal transparency in Abia State, insisting that the administration of Governor Alex Otti is delivering visible and measurable governance outcomes.
The group stated this after conducting an on-the-ground assessment across Abia and other South-East states, where it evaluated infrastructure, public services, and governance performance based on residents’ experiences.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, CADA National President, Amb. Ibrahim B. Farouk, said the tour revealed clear evidence of development in Abia, which he said contradicts recent fiscal assessments.
“Any evaluation that ignores the lived realities of citizens and instead relies solely on theoretical frameworks risks conclusions detached from the truth on the ground,” Farouk said.
“In Abia today, governance is visible in the roads people drive on, the businesses reopening, and the renewed confidence in public institutions.”
The group highlighted ongoing rehabilitation of key road networks in Aba and Umuahia, noting that long-neglected routes are now improving mobility and boosting economic activities.
According to Farouk, Aba, once plagued by poor road conditions and urban decay, is witnessing a turnaround through strategic infrastructure investments.
“Strategic road projects have not only improved mobility but also restored the dignity of communities that were previously cut off from economic opportunities,” he said.
CADA also pointed to improved electricity supply in parts of the state, describing Abia as a “striking exception” at a time many regions face persistent grid failures.
The group said deliberate investment in alternative power solutions has enhanced productivity, especially among small and medium-scale enterprises.
“Residents and businesses in key areas now enjoy stable electricity… helping artisans and manufacturers reduce production costs and increase output,” Farouk noted.
Beyond infrastructure, the group commended the state’s progress in environmental sanitation, crediting agencies such as ASEPA and GADA for improvements in urban cleanliness.
Farouk revealed that the transformation of Aba’s sanitation system attracted international attention.
“In 2024, UN-Habitat invited both agencies to Egypt to showcase how Aba, once considered the dirtiest city in Nigeria, has become a shining example of sanitation and urban management,” he said.
CADA cautioned against relying solely on fiscal metrics to assess governance, urging a broader evaluation that includes infrastructure, service delivery, and citizen welfare.
“What defines leadership is not the volume of criticism it attracts but the clarity of its results,” Farouk stated.
He added that reforms take time but insisted that Abia’s development trajectory is clear.
“Abia is moving forward, and the pace of transformation is evident even to casual observers.”
The group concluded that the progress recorded under Otti provides a strong foundation for sustained growth and could serve as a model for other states.
“To suggest that Abia is lagging without acknowledging the scale of transformation underway is to ignore reality,” Farouk said.
“Governance is ultimately about impact, and the current administration has set a new benchmark—one that is visible, measurable, and deeply felt by the people.”