NEWS
Gov. Alex Otti Hails Code of Conduct Bureau’s Move Towards Digitisation, Emphasises Compliance as Minimum Standard for Public Officers
The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has commended the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) for advancing the digitisation of asset declaration processes, describing it as a major step towards modernising governance and aligning with global best practices.
Governor Otti made the remarks on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026, while receiving a delegation led by the Zonal Director of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Southeast zone, Mr. Akinfolarin Feyishola. He highlighted that the digital transition is in line with the Abia State government’s reform agenda.
“We look forward to a situation where someone can sit in the comfort of his home, fill the form and return it electronically; that is where the world has gone.
“This is also the direction this government is going, even Certificates of Occupancy are processed and signed electronically,” Governor Otti said.
The State Chief Executive noted that the adoption of digital governance in Abia State has improved efficiency and service delivery. He warned that public officers who fail to adapt to technological changes risk being left behind.
Highlighting the critical role of the CCB in Nigeria’s democratic system, Governor Otti stated that compliance with asset declaration is a minimum standard for every public officer. He stressed that no public officer has an excuse for non-compliance.
“The Code of Conduct Bureau is a necessary part of our democratic system and, for me personally, it is a minimum standard for people who want to operate in the public sector space,” he said.
Governor Otti disclosed that he and his deputy had duly declared their assets before assuming office, emphasizing that all political appointees and public officers in Abia State must comply with the constitutional requirement.
In a bid to ensure full compliance, the Governor directed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to coordinate with relevant officials to guarantee that all officers declare their assets as required. He also instructed the Commissioner for Lands to inspect the CCB office in Umuahia for potential upgrades and pledged that the State government would consider the Bureau’s request for an official vehicle to enhance its operations.
Earlier in the meeting, Mr. Akinfolarin Feyishola, Zonal Director of the CCB Southeast zone, commended Governor Otti for his achievements, noting that his leadership continues to make headlines nationwide. He highlighted the importance of encouraging political office holders to comply with the Bureau’s mandatory registration and asset declaration requirements.
Mr. Feyishola explained that the CCB is working to fully automate the asset declaration process, phasing out physical forms previously issued to public officers.
“The Code of Conduct is no more issuing out asset declaration forms like we did when you were coming into office.
“We are about automating the whole system now. We are going online, and maybe in about the third quarter of the year, we are going to be fully online.
“We are looking at a situation where compliance with Code of Conduct will be tied to some incentive in the public service.
“So, evidence of compliance with Code of Conduct can be part of the paper they submit before they even start receiving their emolument from the State government,“ Mr. Feyishola stated.
The meeting, held at the Governor’s Office was also attended by the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu; the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pst. Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D; the Commissioner for Land, Hon. Chaka Chukwumerije, and othe
r senior government officials.