While speaking in Umuahia on Wednesday, during a lecture series to mark his two years in office, Otti said borrowing was not to be done recklessly.

He was ostensibly responding to some of the issues raised by the event’s lecturer, Dr Idika Kalu, a one-time Finance Minister.

The governor said he first needed to inculcate financial discipline and responsibility in the system to get the state to a greater level.

He said he had been paying workers and pensioners their salaries and benefits having found that it made more economic sense to pay than to keep the money at the bank.

“We shall commit the remaining two years of this term to institutionalising the reforms which have been initiated.

“Collectively, we shall make Abia the hub of transformational ideas. We shall not be tired of listening to new ideas, for that is the path to continuous growth and progress,” Otti stated.

In his lecture, Kalu had urged the governor to borrow to expand the projects which would create value for the state.

He argued that such borrowing was not bad once it was done in the interest of the state.

Kalu also urged Otti to use the media in major roles in his development efforts because of its powers to cause change.

“The media can help this nation get back to life. So, don’t give them minor roles but key roles,” he said.

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