Abia Governor Alex Otti Sets the Record Straight Regarding ₦‎1.5 Billion Naira Budgeted for 2 Hilux Vehicles

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has addressed the controversy over the budgeted amount for two Toyota Hilux vehicles.

Otti clarified that his administration actually budgeted ₦‎150 million naira for two Toyota Hilux vehicles. He explained that the earlier report stating ₦‎1.5 billion naira was a mistake caused by a software error.

Speaking at Ezeukwu road market in Aba on Tuesday, Feb. 6, Otti responded to a journalist’s question regarding media reports that Abia State Government had allocated ₦‎1.5 billion to purchase two units of Hilux vehicles in its 2024 budget.

Otti, who visited Ezeukwu Market to sympathize with traders affected by a fire incident, attributed the error to a glitch in the Excel package used for budget preparation. He assured that the error has been rectified to the intended ₦‎150 million naira.

Regarding the erroneous report, Otti emphasized the importance of accuracy in government matters and thanked those who pointed out the mistake. He encouraged vigilance from the public to hold the government accountable.

Otti reassured that there is nothing to worry about, as the overall budget figures are accurate. He clarified that the correct amount was ₦‎150 million naira for two Hilux vans at ₦‎75 million naira each, and ₦‎1.5 billion naira as previously reported.