An Open Letter to Governor Alex Otti: Time to Declare Your Assets Publicly As Pledged And Restore Public Trust in Your Government
By Ik Ogbonna
As Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti rode into office in 2023 on a wave of promises centered on transparency, accountability, and a break from the state’s immediate past history of governance marred by opacity.
One of the most resonant commitments in his manifesto was the pledge that “all appointees and senior government officials, starting from myself, would publicly declare our assets for public scrutiny,” (https://www.advokc.ng/blog-article/dr-alex-ottis-promise-reminder-public-asset-declaration-for-transparent-governance) with this becoming a regular routine to curb corruption. This vow resonated deeply with Abians weary of past administrations’ failures, positioning Otti as a beacon of integrity in a state long plagued by mismanagement.
Nearly three years into his tenure, however, this key promise remains unfulfilled. Early reminders highlighted the delay just weeks after inauguration, and as of 2026, there is no public record of such a declaration.
This omission has fueled growing skepticism among the people of Abia, with opposition voices like the APC and PDP accusing the administration of lacking fiscal accountability and transparency in managing state resources. Controversies, such as the alleged mismanagement of funds for projects like the Abia Industrial & Innovation Park and procurement scandals, have only amplified these concerns, eroding the trust that initially propelled Otti to victory.
While the administration has made strides in infrastructure and economic initiatives—earning praise for restoring some public confidence—these achievements risk being overshadowed by perceptions of selective transparency. Abians deserve more than rhetoric; they need verifiable actions to confirm that their governor is not above the scrutiny he once championed.
Governor Otti, we urge you to honor your 2023 promise without further delay. A public asset declaration would not only demonstrate unwavering commitment to ethical governance but also dispel the clouds of distrust hovering over your administration. In a state rebuilding from decades of deceit, this step could reaffirm Abia’s path toward true progress and unity. The people are watching—let transparency be your legacy.
Ik Ogbonna is a Journalist and PR Practitioner.