Otti’s Reforms Yielding Results, Group Insists

The Citizens Alliance for Democratic Accountability (CADA) has insisted that ongoing reforms under the administration of Alex Otti are delivering measurable results, despite recent claims questioning the state’s fiscal transparency.

The group stated that its position followed an independent assessment tour of South-East states, during which it evaluated infrastructure, public services, and governance performance based on on-the-ground observations and interactions with residents.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, CADA’s National President, Ibrahim B. Farouk, said findings from the tour clearly showed that Abia is undergoing significant transformation across key sectors.

“Governance must be judged by its impact on the people. In Abia today, there is visible evidence of progress—from improved road networks to revitalised economic activity and renewed public confidence in institutions,” Farouk said.

According to the group, extensive road rehabilitation projects in Aba and Umuahia are easing transportation challenges and stimulating commerce, particularly in areas previously affected by poor infrastructure.

CADA also highlighted improvements in electricity supply in parts of the state, noting that increased stability is helping small and medium-scale enterprises reduce operational costs and boost productivity.

“At a time when power supply remains a major challenge across the country, Abia is witnessing relative stability in key commercial areas. This is already having a positive impact on local businesses,” the statement noted.

On environmental sanitation, the group commended the efforts of agencies such as the Abia State Environmental Sanitation Agency (ASEPA) and the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), which it said have significantly improved urban cleanliness, particularly in Aba.

It added that these developments have repositioned the state’s urban centres and attracted positive attention beyond Nigeria.

While acknowledging the importance of fiscal assessments, CADA cautioned against relying solely on such metrics to evaluate governance performance, stressing that broader development indicators must also be considered.

“Fiscal data alone cannot capture the full scope of governance outcomes. Infrastructure, service delivery, and citizen welfare are equally critical in assessing performance,” Farouk stated.

The group maintained that although reforms may take time to fully mature, the direction of governance in Abia remains positive and evident.

It concluded that the ongoing transformation provides a solid foundation for sustained development and should be recognised as a benchmark for effective leadership at the subnational level.