By Chuks Eze
In a recent interview on The Platform at Flo FM, Umuahia, Dr. Oluebube A. Chukwu, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Due Process, shared his ambitious vision for the state’s Due Process and Public Procurement Bureau. He confidently expressed that, under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, the bureau is poised to become a national pacesetter in public procurement before the administration concludes its tenure. According to Flo FM.
Reflecting on the bureau’s past, Dr. Chukwu noted that it had remained largely dormant for over a decade before the present administration took office. “The bureau was essentially non-functional before Governor Otti’s tenure,” he explained. “But with the Governor’s dedication to transparency and good governance, the bureau has experienced a significant transformation. We have expanded our staff strength, implemented professional training programs, and increased our operational capacity all in the pursuit of improving service delivery to Abia State.”
One of the most important developments under this transformation is the strategic partnership formed between the Abia State Public Procurement Bureau and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) in Abuja. This collaboration has facilitated knowledge sharing and provided the Abia bureau with better access to resources. According to Dr. Chukwu, this relationship has positioned the bureau to function with greater efficiency and accountability. “The exchange of expertise with the BPP has been invaluable,” Dr. Chukwu said. “It has allowed us to implement best practices in procurement that not only benefit the government but also the people of Abia.”
Under Governor Otti’s administration, the Due Process and Public Procurement Bureau has also embraced a commitment to integrity and transparency. Dr. Chukwu emphasized that the Governor’s focus on doing things right has been a driving force behind the bureau’s evolution. “We are committed to ensuring that every procurement process is transparent and follows the proper procedures. This is not just about compliance; it’s about setting a new standard of excellence in public procurement,” he stated.
The bureau’s work goes beyond merely enforcing guidelines it aims to reshape the procurement landscape within the state. Dr. Chukwu stressed that their goal is to set new benchmarks for procurement practices, both within Abia and at the national level. “We are not content with just being efficient; we want to lead by example,” he said. “Our vision is to become a reference point for other states and public institutions in Nigeria when it comes to due process and procurement.”
Governor Otti’s leadership has provided the necessary support for these advancements. Dr. Chukwu credited the Governor with creating an environment that promotes professionalism and excellence. “The Governor has given us the tools we need to succeed—both in terms of resources and in setting a clear direction for the bureau. His passion for integrity and accountability has motivated us to push the boundaries of what is possible,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, Dr. Chukwu expressed optimism about the bureau’s trajectory. He believes that the bureau’s ongoing initiatives will not only improve government efficiency but also foster public trust. “Our work is ultimately about ensuring that public funds are used responsibly and that the people of Abia benefit from every project initiated by the government,” he said.
As the Due Process and Public Procurement Bureau continues to evolve, Dr. Chukwu and his team are committed to ensuring that every contract awarded and every procurement decision made is in the best interest of the state. “We are building something that will outlast this administration,” he concluded. “Our goal is to create a legacy of excellence in public procurement, one that future governments can build upon.”
With this renewed focus on transparency, accountability, and best practices, Abia State’s Due Process and Public Procurement Bureau is on track to become a model of public service excellence, inspiring other states to follow its lead.
