Amidst endorsements and calls for reelection bid in 2027, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti says he will consult with God before taking decision.
Governor Alex Otti made his position known at Sam Ihesiulor Stadium, Okpuala Ngwa during the grand civic reception and appreciation ceremony organised by the ‘Oha Isiala Ngwa People’ of Isiala Ngwa North and South Local Government Areas, in recognition and appreciation of his towering and excellent performance across Abia State especially projects littered across Isiala Ngwa North and South Local Government Areas.
While thanking the people for their endorsement, the Governor stated that 2027 will be in the hands of God.
“Just like 2023 was in the hands of God, 2027 will also be in the hands of God.
“So, while I thank you for this endorsement, because I see it as an endorsement of what has been achieved so far, I also thank you for making predictions.
“I would only say that, I would go back and consult with my God. And as time goes on, my response will be made public. Because, like I said the other day, I know my people are waiting.
Governor Otti explained that his administration’s deliberate investment in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the State is anchored on the potentials Aba has in driving the economic growth of the State.
He added that, developing Aba is a strategic decision aimed at stimulating internally generated revenue to fund projects in other parts of the State.
“Our concentration on Aba is because, we do know that Aba has the capacity to generate revenue for us to develop other parts of the State.
“Aba occupies a prime place in our strategy, because that is our major commercial hub. Not just for Abia, but the South East and South-South,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving inclusive governance, said that his government is working simultaneously in all parts of the State. He announced that December is the deadline for the completion of the Mgboko–Ntigha road project.
The State Chief Executive used the opportunity to clarify that the location of Abia Airport in Nsulu was purely on technical merit and not political considerations and disclosed that all affected landowners have been fully compensated.
He also described the Abia Airport project as an ambitious undertaking, which is more than just an aviation facility but a full-fledged development hub, aimed at providing long-term economic benefit to the people.
“We are not just building an Airport; we are building an Airport city. A three or four-star hotel is going to be there, and even the Nigeria Air-Force is going to have a base there. There is going to be markets and shopping plazas within the facility.
“We have paid 100% compensation to everybody whose land was affected. If there’s anyone that has not been paid, it is not our fault. Maybe, they provided a wrong account number or there are three or four people struggling for the same space”, Gov Otti clarified.
The Governor used the occasion to welcome stakeholders from other political parties, including former members of the PDP and Accord Party, as well as members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers who declared for the Labour Party during the event, and announced plans to transform the Sam Ihesiulo Stadium Okpuala Ngwa to a standard stadium and directed the Honourable Commissioner for Works and the Youth & Sports counterpart to commence the process.
He thanked the people of Isiala Ngwa for their support to his administration and promised to continue running an inclusive and people-focused government to bring development to Abia State.
In their remarks, the lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Okenze Chief Ginger Onwusibe, Senator Darlington Nwokocha and member representing Isialangwa North State Constituency, Hon. Collins Iheonunekwu said that the Governor has done excellently well and urged him to seek re-election in 2027.
They commended the Governor for focusing on long-term development goals that prioritise infrastructure and human capital development, declaring that, there is no vacancy in Government House, Umuahia, until 2031.
In their speeches, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Obinna Anaba and another son of the soil, Mr. Cyril Ishmael
commended the administration’s rapid strides in infrastructural development, social welfare, and economic reforms, saying that, the Governor has proven that effective leadership is possible in Abia State.
They reaffirmed the people’s support for the Governor and expressed confidence in his continued delivery of democratic dividends in Abia State.
Contributing, the President of Ngwa National Association in USA and Canada, Dr. Ugochukwu Agu expressed satisfaction with the Governor’s performance, particularly in the education sector.
He said that the Ngwa community abroad had launched support programmes to align with the administration’s developmental goals and have introduced scholarship schemes for students and undergraduates, and have launched a skills acquisition programme to up-skill the people.
The occasion was graced by son and daughters of Isiala Ngwa North and South from all works of life, including the political class, academia, captains of Industries, elder statesmen, appointees of the Governor, Ndi Eze and a crowd of ordinary men and women capable of causing political tsunami in favour of the performing Governor in 2027.
Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
