Former Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Lands Development Authority (NALDA), Prince Paul Ikonne, has issued a strong challenge to the Abia State Government, demanding verifiable evidence to justify its reported N54 billion expenditure on the renovation and construction of 53 public schools across the state.
In a statement released through his media aide, Ujo Justice, Ikonne described the claim as “deeply suspicious, laughable, and insulting to the collective intelligence of Abians,” citing the persistent poor condition of educational infrastructure in the state.
The controversy follows the publication of Abia State’s 2024 financial report, released by the Accountant General, Njum Uma-Onyemenam, which listed N54.07 billion as expenditure on public school rehabilitation. The report, published on the state government’s official website on January 28, 2025, is part of a breakdown of the N320 billion reportedly generated from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) and internally generated revenue (IGR).
Reacting to the disclosure, Ikonne expressed dismay over the state of schools in several communities, particularly in Ukwa, where he said most learning facilities remain in deplorable condition.
“What we see in Ukwa and many other parts of Abia is an education sector in ruins — ceilings are collapsing, blackboards are unusable, roofs are blown off, and students still sit on bare floors under leaking structures,” he said.
“If N54 billion was truly spent, then let the government show us where. Name the schools. What exactly was done? Provide pictures, videos, and open the projects for independent inspection.”
He further queried the rationale behind spending such a large sum on a relatively small number of schools.
“How on earth does anyone justify spending N54 billion on just 53 schools with little or nothing visible to show for it? This must not be swept under the carpet. Abians must demand answers. Our lawmakers must rise to the occasion,” he added.
Ikonne called for a “comprehensive forensic audit” of the education-related expenditure, stressing that transparency and accountability are critical, especially when it concerns the welfare of children and the future of the state.
As of press time, the Abia State Government has not officially responded to the allegations.
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