The Abia State Due Process and Public Procurement Bureau has defended its 2025 virement proposal before the State House of Assembly, in a move that underscores the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and reform-led governance under Governor Alex Chioma Otti.
Appearing before the Joint Committee on Appropriation and Budget and Planning on Friday, July 25, 2025, the Bureau presented a comprehensive breakdown of its income and expenditure framework for the fiscal year. The session was part of a broader review of supplementary budget submissions by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across the state.
Leading the Bureau’s delegation was Dr. Oluebube Chukwu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Due Process, who described the exercise as a testament to the Otti administration’s dedication to institutional integrity and prudent fiscal management.
“This engagement reaffirms our administration’s philosophy of openness and collaborative governance. It offered both arms of government an opportunity to align on budgetary priorities and deepen mutual understanding of fiscal needs,” Dr. Chukwu stated.
He further highlighted the strategic role the Due Process Bureau plays in enforcing procurement standards and driving reforms that promote ethical public spending. “Governor Otti is committed to building systems that ensure every naira works for the people. The Bureau remains central to fostering fiscal discipline, transparency, and alignment with Abia’s development blueprint,” he added.
The Joint Committee, chaired by Hon. Akachukwu Stephen Ucheonye with Hon. Mathias Umeh Nwankwo as co-chair, is currently vetting virement requests and supplementary budget proposals to ensure consistency with the state’s financial outlook and policy goals.
The Committee applauded the Bureau’s detailed presentation and professional conduct, with the Deputy Clerk of the House and Committee Secretary, Mrs. Virginia Igbanigbor, commending the delegation for its clarity and responsiveness.
Also present at the session was the Bureau’s Director of Finance and other senior officials, who supported Dr. Chukwu in addressing questions from lawmakers.
The review of virement proposals marks another step in the Otti administration’s broader effort to institutionalize good governance practices and strengthen public confidence in state expenditure management.
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