I trust that you are all well-informed about the recent media coverage and discussions circulating on various platforms, on the allegations of abuse in the budget of the Abia State government. We in the leadership of ALPI are aware that some members of ALPI, as well as NdiAbia and other Nigerians, would expect us, as a watchdog of governments in the state to comment on that in one way or another. Our silence may be misconstrued to be acquiescence. As an organization dedicated to promoting good governance and holding governments accountable to the people, we have always been vocal critics of past administrations. In the same vein, we have conducted thorough investigations behind the scenes in previous governments, and also including the Alex Otti administration, when accusations of this nature are made.
The major arm of government, which is the state House of Assembly, whose responsibility includes reviewing, passing and monitoring of the budget also has a role to play in this matter.

In fact, we even suggested that the Governor delegate some of his key officials to engage with Arise TV to present their case. As members of ALPI, we bear the additional moral responsibility to verify the authenticity of these claims, especially considering that the Governor and some of his key officials are members of ALPI . As your servant-leader, along with all you professional members gathered here and the Management and Board of Trustees of ALPI, I want to assure you that we will never shy away from the truth. It is our duty to act as the eyes and voices of Abians, holding the government of Abia State accountable for their actions.

I had the opportunity to witness the outstanding efforts of Ugochukwu Okoroafor, Chinedu Ekeke, and Ekeoma in debunking these allegations as false. The fact that they presented on Arise TV, a leading news media in and outside Nigeria and commitment to upholding the truth were commendable.

Let us continue to uphold the integrity and the objectives of ALPI, in our pursuit of transparency, good governance, and the betterment of Abia State. Together, we can make a difference, and lead the other South East States and indeed the entire governments of the country in good and responsible governance.

Warm regards,
Sonny Iroche
DG - Abia League of Professionals’ Initiative (ALPI)
November 24, 2023