Governor Alex Otti of Abia State is demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing development and promoting transparency through the revitalization of the Abia State Due Process and Public Procurement Bureau. This institution had been inactive for 12 years following the passing of the Abia State Procurement Law in 2012, which originally mandated its creation. In a recent media chat with Dr. Oluebube Chukwu, the head of the Bureau and Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Due Process, it was revealed that the current administration was providing unprecedented support for the Bureau to fulfill its mandate. Dr. Chukwu expressed optimism about the renewed vigor of the Bureau, emphasizing the governor’s dedication to ensuring that the proper processes are adhered to in public procurement.
Dr. Chukwu described the Bureau’s previous ineffectiveness, which hindered the state’s economic development, noting that it has now begun to realize significant progress under Governor Otti’s leadership. The Bureau has expanded from a single-room office to a full building that accommodates a growing team—rising from just three personnel to 28 officers presently. Furthermore, plans are underway to increase this workforce by establishing 84 liaisons across the state’s Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to achieve seamless operations. This expansion reflects the governor’s vision of creating a more functional and responsive regulatory body capable of overseeing public procurement processes.
Utilizing his experience as a banker and administrator, Governor Otti has reactivated the Bureau to ensure it effectively serves as a watchdog for his administration. This initiative signifies a notable shift from the previous administrative model where the Bureau was largely dormant and inefficient. Dr. Chukwu praised the changes achieved within just one year of Otti’s governance, contrasting them starkly with the 12 years of inactivity that preceded the current administration. His acknowledgment of the governor’s strong leadership highlights that the Bureau is not merely operational but actively engaged in its duties.
The push for excellence emphasized by Governor Otti is setting a standard within the Bureau, ensuring that the processes are strictly adhered to by individuals at every level of state leadership. The focus on doing things right aligns with the governor’s intrinsic goal of accountability and integrity in governance. Dr. Chukwu underscored this commitment to transparency, stating that the Bureau is meticulously overseeing all public procurement procedures. This attention to detail aims to eliminate lapses and maintain rigorous standards across the various MDAs, which is crucial for the state’s overall governance and public trust.
In addition to overseeing procurement procedures, the Bureau is developing a contractor database to categorize and track contractors based on their performance and engagement criteria. This initiative aims to ensure that contractors deliver within the defined parameters of their agreements, thereby fostering accountability and reliability in public contracts. Dr. Chukwu suggested that these changes are part of a broader transformation and reorganization of the Bureau, which is aimed at not only internal improvements but also enhancing external stakeholder relations through increased transparency and accountability in government spending.
Ultimately, the overhaul of the Abia State Due Process and Public Procurement Bureau signifies a commitment to ensuring efficient and effective allocation of state resources. As the Bureau embraces its rejuvenated role, it is poised to promote good governance practices that reflect positively on the state’s economic landscape. Governor Otti’s administration is advocating for stronger regulations in public procurement, which is critical for instilling confidence in the governance process and driving sustainable development in Abia State. Through these steps, the governor is setting a clear precedent for accountability, transparency, and a new era of active governance.
