Abia flood victims in Maiduguri petition Otti over alleged irregularities in relief fund
By Duku Joel, Maiduguri • I have nothing to hide, says Abia community President Flood victims and aggrieved members of the Abia State Community Association in Maiduguri, Borno State, have
By Duku Joel, Maiduguri
• I have nothing to hide, says Abia community President
Flood victims and aggrieved members of the Abia State Community Association in Maiduguri, Borno State, have petitioned the Abia Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, demanding transparency and accountability in the disbursement of relief funds meant for victims of the September 10, 2024 flood disaster in the state.
In a petition dated March 17, this year, Ogugua Charles Ibeabuchi, on behalf of affected members, raised concerns over what they described as a lack of clarity and alleged irregularities in the management of financial assistance reportedly approved by the Abia State government for its indigenes affected by the flood.
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The petitioners recalled that following the flood in Maiduguri, which displaced residents and destroyed properties, several state governors, including representatives from Abia State, visited Borno State to sympathise with victims and pledged support.
According to the group, officials representing the Abia State government later informed the community that Governor Otti had approved financial assistance for affected Abia indigenes. However, they alleged that the process of disbursing the funds has been shrouded in secrecy.
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Among the key issues raised, the petitioners claimed that the total amount approved and released for the victims had not been disclosed to members of the association. They alleged that the list of beneficiaries was neither made available for verification nor approved by the community.
The group also accused those handling the process of including individuals who were neither flood victims nor registered members of the association as beneficiaries, while many genuine victims who suffered significant losses were allegedly excluded from receiving any support.
They added that attempts to seek clarification from the leadership of the association have failed to yield satisfactory explanations, thereby deepening suspicion and dissatisfaction among members.
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“The situation has created serious concern among affected persons, many of whom lost their businesses and livelihoods during the flood,” the petition stated.
The petitioners, therefore, called on Otti to intervene and provide clarity on several issues, including the total amount released for the relief, the channel through which the funds were disbursed, the criteria used in selecting beneficiaries, and the official list of those who received the assistance.
They expressed confidence in the governor’s commitment to transparency and accountability, urging him to investigate the matter and ensure that justice is done for genuine victims.
The leadership of the association have denied the allegations.
The association’s President, Mr. James Nna Ekwenye, said the allegations were “baseless without truth”. He stressed: “I have nothing to hide, myself, as a leader, has not benefited any kobo from this money. As the leader of the association, I only compiled the names of the flood affected Abia residents in Maiduguri with my secretary and some members of the exco and sent to the Abia State government while the money was paid directly into the beneficiaries’ accounts.”
He added that the author of this same petition had filed a similar one to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with a pending matter in the court.
Mr. Ekwenye regretted the action of the petitioner but maintained that he would be vindicated.
The September 2024 flood in Maiduguri affected thousands of residents, including non-indigenes, leading to widespread displacement and loss of property, with several humanitarian interventions initiated by government and non-governmental actors in its aftermath.
