Ebonyi State has flatly rejected claims that it set aside ₦16 billion for its Abuja Liaison Office operations. The allegation, made by Chika Nwoba, was branded false and misleading by government officials.
Leo Ekene-Oketa, the governor's Special Assistant on New Media, issued a statement defending the budget line item. He described Nwoba's claim as "malicious, fictitious and deliberately misleading."
According to Ekene-Oketa, the state owns a property in Abuja's Central Business District. A 12-storey building once stood on the land before authorities demolished it in 2016.
The ₦16 billion budgeted for 2026 is earmarked for development work on that property, not daily office running costs. It benefits all Ebonyi people, officials insisted.
Actual spending for the liaison office remains modest by comparison. Personnel and operational expenses total roughly ₦77 million annually, the aide noted.
Governor Nwifuru stands committed to fiscal responsibility and transparency, Ekene-Oketa stressed. Infrastructure projects across the state remain a priority for his administration.
Citizens should ignore false narratives circulating in public spaces, the official urged. Only verified government communications about finances deserve public attention, he added.
