Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Governor-Elect, Dr Alex Otti, has been counseled to swiftly plug all financial leakages in the collection of Internally Generated Revenues (IGR), to end the era of public funds ending up in private pockets.
Vision Foundation for Bridge Building & Effective Governance, has told the governor-elect of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, to ensure regular payment of workers’ salary and pensions “if he wants to succeed in office.”
The NGO which gave the advice during a press conference in Umuahia on Wednesday, also appealed to the governor-elect to keep his promise to defray all outstanding arrears of workers’ salaries as well as pension arrears in the state.
Decrying the deplorable condition of Abia workers and pensioners following several months of unpaid wages and pensions, the NGO advised Otti never to toy with workers’ salaries if he wanted to last in power.
The NGO also decried endemic corruption in the collection of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), over the years where revenue agents connive with corrupt government officials to siphon public funds.
It called on the the governor-elect to quickly plug all financial leakages in the state to end the era of using public funds to enrich few individuals.
Executive Director of the NGO, Elder Charles Dike, who was flanked by the Director of Administration, Deacon Benjamin Arisa; and Director Media, Sir Chimdi Oluoha; urged Otti to do things differently according to his campaign promises.
The NGO further urged Otti to reform Abia civil service, and carry out biometric audit of workers to determine the actual number of workers in the state.
This, according to the NGO, will help checkmate ghost worker syndrome and padding of workers’ salary.
It also tasked Otti to consciously tackle infrastructural deficit, rural electrification, education and health challenges to give Abia residents a new hope.
The NGO implored the governor-elect to be magnanimous in victory and build a strong team of patriotic experts not withstanding their political affiliations” to help build the Abia dream we have yearned for over the years.”
It also urged national and state house of assembly members-elect, to jettison party affiliations and join hands with the governor-elect to rebuild the state for the good of all.
The NGO further appealed to all those who lost at the polls to accept their defeat in good faith as the wish of the majority, and discontinue with litigations as part of their sacrifice for the emergence of new Abia.
It advised them except those who have genuine case, to avoid the waste of productive man hours and resources in challenging the outcome of the polls in court.
The NGO which said its objective was to promote good governance and accountability, pledged its support for the governor-elect “in everywhere necessary to help him succeed.”
Adding his voice, Sir Oluoha, a veteran broadcaster and retired Permanent Secretary, said the NGO, comprised men of integrity who were determined to promote a better change in society.
The former Radio Nigeria Correspondent and Director of Protocol to a former Governor in the state, said leaders should be accountable to the people.
