APC Chieftain Petitions Anti-Graft Agencies Over Alleged Mismanagement of N54bn School Funds in Abia

Eze Chikamnayo, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, has petitioned multiple anti-graft and oversight bodies to investigate Governor Alex Otti’s administration over the alleged diversion of N54 billion earmarked for school renovations.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Chikamnayo revealed that formal petitions had been submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the National Assembly, the Federal Ministry of Finance, as well as global watchdogs including Transparency International and the World Bank.

He accused the Otti-led government of “systemic corruption,” alleging that funds budgeted for 51 public school projects between the first and fourth quarters of 2024 have not translated into tangible improvements. According to him, not a single new “smart school” has been established despite the massive budgetary provisions.

“Our fact-finding missions to schools across Abia show that over 95 percent remain in deplorable condition—dilapidated structures, unfenced compounds, and little to no teaching or learning equipment,” Chikamnayo stated.

He further argued that the expenditure reported in the State Government’s Budget Performance Report conflicts with financial inflows from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and other federal intervention programs, thereby raising serious transparency concerns.

Chikamnayo’s group has also called on civil society organizations and international watchdogs such as UNESCO and Amnesty International to join in demanding accountability. “We have dragged the state government before every relevant anti-corruption agency, both local and international, to prevent the education sector from being turned into a conduit pipe for looting public funds,” he added.

The APC chieftain urged the public and the media to support efforts aimed at promoting transparency and safeguarding the future of education in Abia State, stressing the need for urgent intervention.