In what many are calling a financial masterstroke, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced the clearance of a whopping ₦72 billion debt inherited from past administrations—without borrowing a single kobo.

Speaking during the April edition of his monthly media parley, “Governor Otti Speaks To Abians,” the Governor revealed that his administration met an official debt profile of ₦138 billion when it took over in 2023. However, internal audits suggest that the actual debt burden—once unpaid salaries, pensions, and contractor arrears were added—was much higher.

But in just under a year, the Otti administration has slashed that figure to ₦66 billion, as confirmed by the Debt Management Office (DMO) as of December 2024.

What’s more remarkable is that this financial turnaround came without a single fresh loan.

“This is the result of prudent financial management, transparency, and ethical governance,” Otti said, adding that his government has chosen to walk a different path—one that breaks away from the culture of debt accumulation and mismanagement.

Even with multiple development projects ongoing across the state, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s zero-borrowing stance, signaling a new era of financial discipline in Abia.

He also stressed the role of citizens in sustaining progress, urging communities to remain vigilant and cooperative, especially in ensuring local security.

Information and Culture Commissioner, Prince Okey Kanu, who attended the parley, echoed the Governor\'s message of hope and reform, noting that Abia is on a clear path to sustainable growth and accountability.

With moves like this, Governor Otti appears not just to be clearing debts—but also rebuilding trust in leadership.

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