Gov Otti Reaffirms Commitment To Fiscal Transparency In Abia.

He made this known while receiving a delegation from BudgIT Foundation, a civic organisation focused on promoting transparency in public finance and encouraging citizen participation in governance.

Speaking during the visit at his office, Otti maintained that transparency is a core, non-negotiable principle of his government, stressing that prudent use of public funds is essential for building trust between leaders and citizens.

“The issue of transparency is not negotiable. We have even had to part ways with people over it because it is fundamental. Everyone working in this government must be transparent,” he said.

He added that public funds must be properly managed since they belong to the people, noting that accountability remains central to his administration.

“It’s public service and public money, so it must be used properly. Transparency sits at the centre of this government,” he said.

The governor also expressed willingness to strengthen partnership with BudgIT Foundation, describing their engagement as valuable in improving governance practices.

On fiscal sustainability, Otti said taxation should be viewed as government’s share of prosperity created within society, adding that his administration has not been aggressive with internally generated revenue due to the poor state of infrastructure inherited.

He explained that many sectors, including health, education, and sanitation, were in a deteriorated condition when his administration took over, noting that reforms first focused on rebuilding basic systems before revenue expansion.

According to him, the priority was to improve living conditions and create an enabling environment for businesses before intensifying revenue drives.

Otti further stated that his administration continues to make gradual progress toward fiscal targets, emphasizing that his key concern remains improving the welfare of citizens.

BudgIT Foundation’s representatives commended the governor’s reforms, noting significant improvement in Abia’s fiscal transparency ranking, which rose from 17th to 4th position within two years.