Abia Govt Disagrees With DMO Over Inherited N138bn Debt

Abia State government has disagreed with the Debt Management Office (DMO) over the DMO’s record of the state’s inherited debt profile of N138billion in 2023.

The governor, Alex Otti, made the assertion during his monthly media interaction tagged “Governor Otti speaks to Abians” for April in Umuahia, the state capital.

Explaining that his administration had paid N72bn out of the figure “without fresh liabilities”, he noted that there are indications that the profile was higher.

“I’m sure the DMO didn’t take into account the background of salaries and pensions and of course, other debts, including contractors’ debts”, Otti said.

“Again, going by DMO figures, as of December 2024, that number has reduced to 66 billion. By their own numbers, we have paid down 72 billion of inherited debt.”

The governor, who attributed this to the administration’s fiscal prudence, transparency, and strong governance ethics, further said, “We have added no dime in borrowing.”

He maintained that the administration had rejected the legacy of financial recklessness, “which characterised previous administrations,” and assured the residents of accountability.

“Some people are used to wasting money.

This administration is a very prudent one. We will continue to be so and to ensure that no drop of the state’s money is wasted,” he added.