The Abia State Government has issued a strong-worded response to Sir Chikwe Udensi, following his critical remarks during an interview on ABN TV, where he questioned the integrity of the current administration’s financial disclosures and project execution.
In a press release signed and made available to ABN TV by Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, the government accused Udensi of making “baseless, misleading, and politically motivated” claims, and described his criticism as “predicated on ignorance and mischief.”
Sir Udensi had questioned the ₦36.5 billion reportedly spent on the Port Harcourt Road in Aba, describing the project as overpriced. In response, the government clarified that the road is not 5.7km but 6.7km, and it is a six-lane dual carriageway constructed by Julius Berger, with a total width of 22.2 meters.
“When measured properly by length and width, the total constructed lane spans 20.1 kilometers. At ₦36 billion, that amounts to about ₦1.8 billion per kilometer — a fair cost for such a complex project,” the statement explained.
The government emphasized the road’s transformation from a “slum of sorrow” with 24-foot refuse heaps and overgrown vegetation, into a fully modernized roadway, complete with international-standard drainage systems.
Addressing Udensi’s allegation of unaccounted ₦54 billion spent on renovating 51 schools, the government dismissed the claim, stating that the expenditure is verifiable through the state’s audited financial records, and that visible improvements in the education sector prove the funds were effectively utilized.
“If Udensi believes money is missing, he should use his so-called Interpol skills to investigate and provide evidence. Otherwise, his accusations remain reckless and unfounded,” the statement said.
Reacting to claims that Governor Alex Otti runs a “one-man show,” the government described such remarks as ironic and unfounded. It highlighted that Governor Otti holds regular Executive Council meetings, monthly Expanded Exco sessions involving permanent secretaries, and has established development authorities such as GADA, GODA, and a restructured UCDA — all aimed at decentralizing governance.
“No governor running a one-man show would institutionalize such inclusive governance structures,” the statement said.
It further noted that engineers, architects, and planners across ministries are now fully engaged in project execution — a first in the state’s democratic history.
The government suggested that Udensi’s criticism may be part of a larger plan to gain political relevance ahead of the 2027 elections, referencing his past failures during the APGA governorship primaries.
“He didn’t just come a distant fourth in the last APGA primaries, he even declared himself the winner midway through voting. That is not the conduct of a democrat,” the statement added.
The release accused Udensi of turning opposition into a tool for “personal vendetta and political entertainment”, rather than offering meaningful solutions or constructive criticism.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparent leadership, the Abia State Government emphasized that it will not be distracted by political theatrics, and remains focused on delivering value to the people of the state.
“Governor Otti is not in a popularity contest. He is focused on the job, and our work is visible across sectors,” the statement concluded.
