The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), has criticised the Abia State Government headed by Dr. Alex Otti over its bottom ranking in the 2025 Subnational Audit Efficacy (SAE) Index.
It described the outcome as a reflection of deep fiscal accountability gaps.
The index, released by the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative, placed Abia 36th among the 36 states of the federation.
CEHRAWS Executive Director, Okoye Chuka Peter, said the ranking pointed to structural weaknesses in public financial management and transparency frameworks.
“Without equivocation, CEHRAWS affirms that the reported outcome reflects persistent structural weaknesses in public financial management and transparency frameworks within the state,” the statement read.
The group cited Sections 85 and 125 of the 1999 Constitution, which establish the Office of the Auditor-General as a key accountability mechanism.
It warned that any limitation on that office, whether financial or administrative, undermines democratic governance.
Otti’s infrastructural strides acknowledged
CEHRAWS, however, acknowledged visible progress under Governor Alex Otti, including urban road reconstruction across Aba and Umuahia, renewed attention to waste management and environmental sanitation, as well as early civil service reforms and salary regularisation.
The group said these efforts were commendable but warned they must be complemented by fiscal transparency.
“Transparency and accountability remain the legal and institutional backbone upon which sustainable development must rest.
“Without them, even the most visible infrastructural gains risk being overshadowed by systemic inefficiencies.”
OGP delay as a governance red flag
CEHRAWS expressed concern over the government’s continued reluctance to fully adopt the Open Government Partnership (OGP) principles.
According to the group, the governor’s failure to assent to the OGP State Action Plan II (SAP II) effectively amounts to a failure to implement OGP standards.
“This not only distances the state from global best practices but also constrains opportunities for inclusive governance and investor confidence,” CEHRAWS added.
The organisation warned that if left unaddressed, these gaps could lead to erosion of public trust.
It also warned of weakened oversight institutions, reduced efficiency in public expenditure, and increased exposure to corruption risks.
What CEHRAWS is demanding
The group called on the Abia State Government to strengthen audit institutions by granting full financial and administrative autonomy to the Office of the Auditor-General.
It also demanded proactive disclosure of financial information through routine publication of budgets, audit reports, and procurement data.
CEHRAWS further called for the reinforcement of legislative oversight through a more active and transparent Public Accounts Committee.
It also called for an enforceable compliance mechanisms for audit recommendations.
The organisation urged the full adoption and domestication of Open Government Partnership principles, including the establishment of citizen engagement platforms.
It also demanded transparent procurement systems anchored on open contracting and public access to procurement information.
‘True governance excellence’
Concluding, CEHRAWS urged Governor Otti to align ongoing reforms with transparency and institutional integrity.
“True governance excellence lies in the integration of development with accountability.
“Abia State stands at a critical juncture that demands the alignment of ongoing reforms with transparency, legality, and institutional integrity.
“The government must seize this opportunity not only to build roads and systems but also to build public trust.
“Anything short of this would fall below the constitutional expectations owed to the people.”
