The Abia State Community Association in Maiduguri has appealed to Governor Alex Otti to intervene in connection with relief assistance reportedly released by the state government in 2024 to the state indigenes in the Borno State capital.
Following the devastating flood disaster in September 2024, several governors travelled to Maiduguri to sympathise with the government and people of Borno State.
In a statement recently, the association’s spokesperson, Ogugua Charles IIbeabuchi recalled that the Abia State government promised indigenes affected by the flood disaster assistance to alleviate the losses suffered.
According to the association, representatives of the state government visited Maiduguri and informed members that the governor had approved support for the indigenes affected by the flood.
‘However, since the announcement of the release of the said assistance, the management and distribution of the funds have generated serious controversy and concern within our community,’ the association said.
They pointed Otti’s attention to areas they described as ‘troubling developments’ in the pursuit of the relief fund. These are:
- The total amount of money released by the government of Abia State for flood victims in Maiduguri has never been publicly disclosed to members of the association
- The list of beneficiaries allegedly submitted for payment was never presented to the association for verification or approval
- Several individuals who reportedly received payments were neither victims of the flood nor members of the association
- Many genuine victims who lost their businesses and properties during the flood have not received any form of assistance
- Efforts by members of the association to obtain clarification from the executive officers of the association have not yielded any satisfactory explanation
The complainants said that the developments had created ‘serious dissatisfaction and suspicion among members of the Abia community in Maiduguri, many of whom suffered significant losses during the flood disaster’.
They, therefore, urged the governor that, ‘in the interest of transparency, accountability and justice for the affected victims’ the governor should clarify the following:
- The total amount of money approved and released by the Abia State Government for Abia flood victims in Maiduguri
- The official channel through which the funds were disbursed
- The criteria used in selecting the beneficiaries of the assistance
- The official list of individuals who were approved to receive the financial support
They further said; “Your Excellency, this request is made in good faith and in the sincere hope that transparency will help restore confidence and unity among Abia indigenes residing in Maiduguri.
‘We strongly believe that your administration, which is widely known for its commitment to transparency and accountability, will not condone any form of mismanagement or diversion of funds meant for vulnerable citizens.
‘We therefore respectfully appeal for your urgent intervention to ensure that justice is done and that genuine victims of the flood receive the assistance intended for them’.
