Alex Otti has reaffirmed that asset declaration should be a fundamental obligation for all public office holders in Nigeria, stressing that there is no justification for failing to comply with the law.
The governor made this known while receiving officials of the South-East zone of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) at his office on Tuesday. He emphasised that transparency and accountability must remain central to public service, noting that asset declaration is a constitutional requirement that should not be ignored.
Otti disclosed that both he and his deputy fulfilled the requirement by declaring their assets before assuming office, setting what he described as the minimum standard expected from public officials.
He directed that all political appointees and public officers in Abia State must comply fully and without delay, warning that non-compliance would not be tolerated.
“When I hear that some people have not visited the office or have not complied, it is strange,” he said.
To ensure adherence, the governor instructed the Secretary to the State Government, Emmanuel Meribole, to work with relevant authorities to guarantee that all officials meet the requirement promptly.
Earlier, the Zonal Director of the CCB in the South-East, Akinfolarin Feyishola, appealed to the governor to support the bureau’s efforts in sensitising public office holders across the state on the importance of asset declaration.
The engagement underscored the need for stronger collaboration between the state government and oversight institutions to promote accountability and good governance.
