Governor Alex Otti of Abia says his administration initiated measures to cut down the cost of governance to the barest minimum and save money.

Mr Otti said this at his monthly media interactive session held at the Government House, Umuahia, on Sunday night.

He said the money saved from frivolous spending by past administrations had made it possible for his government to pay salaries and pensions when due and also mobilise contractors to the site for the ongoing major developmental projects.

The governor said cutting down the cost of governance remained necessary for achieving enhanced development and economic stability in the state.

“We have been able to save money from FAAC by stopping frivolous expenses such as paying a certain amount of money to ‘stakeholders’.

“In the new Abia, if you want to get money, then you have to work and earn money,” he said.

Mr Otti said the present administration was focused on financial reengineering to ensure that professionals properly handled the state’s resources for best results.

According to him, the government was circumspect about borrowing because of the outstanding N192 billion loan inherited from the Okezie Ikpeazu-led administration.

Mr Otti said the government would borrow at the appropriate time to finance the gigantic projects it had started.

“Contractors have been mobilised to the site with the money saved from discontinuing frivolous expenses introduced by past administrations.

“A lot of things have changed, and I urge everyone to wake up and be part of the change,” Mr Otti said.

He restated the government’s commitment to rebuild the state, especially Aba, to improve its internally generated revenue to the state coffers.

On education, he said the government was focused on improving the education system and standards in the state.

(NAN)