The Abia State Government has responded to an open letter addressed to Governor Alex Otti by Elder Abraham Amah, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia, concerning the recently approved African Development Bank (AfDB) loan.
In a statement issued by Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, the state government emphasized that it welcomes constructive criticism and respects the role of opposition in a democracy. However, it described Elder Amah’s open letter and subsequent radio interview as misleading, filled with inaccuracies, and designed to misinform the public.
Ekeoma debunked several claims made by Amah, starting with the allegation that Governor Otti had vowed never to borrow. He clarified that while the governor has been prudent with borrowing, he never ruled it out—especially when tied to developmental and infrastructural investment. The proposed loan, Ekeoma noted, was included in the widely publicized 2024 state budget.
Addressing Amah’s claim that the decision to obtain the loan was made unilaterally and secretly, Ekeoma explained that AfDB loans require due process involving the Federal Government through the Ministry of Finance, and thus could not have been solely initiated by the governor. He further pointed out that Governor Otti had publicly acknowledged the partnership with AfDB, the Islamic Development Bank, and the Canada-Africa Development Bank Climate Fund during the recent launch of the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project.
On Amah’s assertion that former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu laid the foundation for the loan, Ekeoma questioned why Amah now feigns ignorance of its terms and implementation. He accused the PDP of bitterness over being out of power and lacking access to public funds, referencing the unaccounted Paris Club Refund during their administration.
He also criticized Amah for failing to acknowledge the state’s improved debt repayment record under Otti, as reported by the Debt Management Office.
Ekeoma concluded by urging Amah to adopt humility, truthfulness, and sincerity if he hopes to rebuild his party’s relevance in the state.
Signed:
Ferdinand Ekeoma
Special Adviser to the Governor
(Media and Publicity)
July 18, 2025
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