Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has demanded accountability for the N10 billion loan by the Abia State Government for building of airport, as well as N1.3 billion for the construction of ‘flyover’ at Ogbo Hill area of Aba.
APGA which made the demands Thursday in Umuahia, expressed worry over the increasing debt profile of the state.
Ikengaonline reports that statistics from the Debt Management Office, showed that as at December 31, 2015, the debt profile of Abia State was N37.55 billion but by March 31, 2021, it rose to N70.57 billion, an increase of 110.47%.
There are speculations that Abia’s debt has now risen to over N90 billion but as at the time of filing this report, Abia’s current debt profile is not on display on the list of heavily indebted states.
APGA in a press statement by its Chairman in the state, Rev. Augustine Ehiemere, cautioned Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu-led administration against any further borrowings, which according to him will put the next administration under undue pressure.
The party was reacting to the alleged move by the Abia Polytechnic to borrow N450 million for a bail out following the withdrawal of its accreditation by the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, as a result of 29 months of unpaid salaries of staff.
APGA accused Gov. Ikpeazu-led Government of plunging the state into avoidable debts , and advised it to halt the trend.
The party argued that prudent management of resources accruing from the allocations from the federation account and the internally generated revenue, will save the state from going into debt.
“The PDP led administration in Abia State has continued to plunge Abians into inhuman treatment, leaving a huge debt for the incoming APGA government come 2023. Ikpeazu has again borrowed N450 million from Zenith Bank PLC, using students as collateral by asking them to pay into Zenith Bank account.
“It is regrettable that this government cannot settle the backlog of unpaid salaries which led to the de-accreditation of Abia State Polytechnic.
“The Retirees are owed almost four years pension and over 20 years gratuities yet to be addressed.
“Teachers are owed over one year wages and five years leave allowances and the Governor is happy to see them suffering.”
APGA decried the collapse in the state’s health sector following the on-going strike action by doctors at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) Aba who are being owed for 25 months.
“Abia State College of Education Technical Staff are owed almost four years wages and are not paid subventions. Secondary School infrastructure in the state have so deteriorated that they are unfit to be used as piggeries.
“N27.4bn was borrowed for Flood Control in Aba and the funds were abused, tunnel not constructed yet another loan has been taken .
“Despite the prohibitive costs of constructing Port Harcourt Road, Faulks Road and Osisioma Flyover, they are almost virgin. N10bn was borrowed for Airport Construction in 2021, not even a site has been cleared.
“Over N7bn has been spent on Abia Government House and it is still a construction site and no work in progress .
“About N1.13bn was claimed for construction of a flyover at Ogbor-Hill and not even a pillar erected.
“Despite the state earning over N1trn in the past 7.5 years, about 55% of Abians are unemployed, with poverty rate at an alarming rate.
“Obviously, the PDP-led administration lacks conscience. The hope of an ordinary Abian has been dashed and our youths have been cheated by the PDP administration by denying them employment and decent living. They are waiting to vote out PDP with their PVC.”
But when contacted, Commissioner for Information, Eze Chikamnayo, dismissed all the allegations as “false, frivolous and diversionary.”
Chikamnayo said the allegations “are emanating from lazy and lousy political Lilliputian.”
Continuing, Chikamnayo said: “Infantile APGA politicians cannot win election not even in their wards,” adding that “instead of making false and petty allegations they should go to the electorate and expound what they they think is the best alternative to Government programmes and policies.”
The Commissioner said “it is delusional and self-defeating for any politician to be throwing mud at a time it should be preparing for election.”
He argued that Gov. Ikpeazu”as a rebuilder has done very well in road infrastructure, tele-health, agriculture, overseas scholarship for Abia youths and all sectors,” adding that the Governor has made spirited efforts to leave the state better than he met it.
Chikamnayo said that the Governor was focused and bent on finishing well, and would not be distracted by the opposition.
