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Tag: Alex Otti

  • JUST IN: Labour Party suspends Otti, Sen Kingibe, four others

    JUST IN: Labour Party suspends Otti, Sen Kingibe, four others

    …challenges Nenadi to speak about her plea bargain with EFCC

    The leadership crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP) took another dimension on Wednesday with the suspension of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, over alleged anti-party activities.

    The party also announced the suspension of five of its elected lawmakers in the National Assembly for the same reason given above.

    The suspended lawmakers include: Senator Ireti Kingibe; Senator Darlington Nwokocha; Hon. Victor Afam Ogene; Hon. Amobi Ogah, and Hon. Seyi Sowunmi.

    The National Secretary of the Julius Abure led faction, Umar Farouk Ibrahim announced their suspension in a statement on Wednesday.

    The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party had on May 2 set up a five-man Disciplinary Committee headed by the Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi; Ibrahim, the National Secretary, and three others to investigate Governor Otti and any other party members over allegations of anti-party activities.

    Read Also: Labour Party now a failing enterprise, says Ozigbo

    “The Disciplinary Committee has concluded its assignment and has submitted its report to the party leadership. The National Executive of the party met today, May 7th, 2025, and after exhaustive deliberation in line with powers donated to it by the Party Constitution, has ratified the recommendation as submitted by the Disciplinary Committee.

    “Consequent upon that, the following members of the party have been suspended from the party and all its activities, indefinitely and with immediate effect.

    “Dr. Alex Otti; Senator Ireti Kingibe; Senator Darlington Nwokocha; Hon. Victor Afam Ogene; Hon. Amobi Ogah; Hon. Seyi Sowunmi

    “By this suspension, these former members of the party will no longer act for and on behalf of the party. All concerned institutions, including the Nigeria Governors Forum, the National Assembly, INEC, and security agencies, among others, are to take note,” the statement said.

    The party said the name of the caretaker committee chairman set up by the former presidential candidate of the party Peter Obi led faction, Nenadi Usman was omitted from the list of the suspended members because she is not a member of the party.

    The statement added: “It will surprise Nigerians and party faithful that the name of one Nenadi Usman was conspicuously omitted from the list of the suspended members of the party. First, we have said repeatedly that the said Nenadi Usman was and is not a member of the Labour Party, being not a card-carrying member of the Party. We are aware that she is a member of the Obidient Support group that worked and is still working for the party’s 2023 presidential candidate. We will therefore not honour her with any sanction, being not a member of the party.

    “Again, we are aware that Ms Usman recently in a well-televised occasion, in cohort with a former Kaduna state governor, joined another political party where she pledged loyalty to the party. We are confused about where Usman Nenadi’s loyalty lies.

    “The party leadership is also surprised that Nenadi Usman is talking about corruption when indeed she is the headmistress of corruption. Nigerians are already aware of all the EFCC cases against her, and we expect Ms Usman to come out and explain to Nigerians the story behind her Plea Bargain with EFCC and all the properties she allegedly forfeited. She should also tell Nigerians how she acquired her radio station in Kaduna, all her properties all over Nigeria and abroad, her companies in Cameroon, including her plantations. Nenadi Usman lacks the moral capacity to commence any probe or even talk about corruption.

    “In any event, the party’s financial records are straight, and it will interest the members of the public to know that the party’s audited accounts have been published. INEC, being the regulatory body, sent their external auditors to audit the party’s account, and they gave a clean report and also commended the party for its financial transparency. It is on record that among the comity of Political Parties in Nigeria, the Labour Party’s financial records were adjudged to be among the best.

    “Finally, the party has since taken a position on the issue of coalition, and we want to reiterate that the party is not interested in any overtures by any group or persons to go into any coalition or merger. Like we have earlier stated, the protagonists of the coalition, those driving the agenda, lack the capacity, the character, and competence to midwife such a political arrangement. These are people who have failed to manage one political party; how can they manage an amalgam of political parties and their varied interests? The Labour Party intends to prosecute the 2027 general election as a stand-alone party, and no further discussion will be entertained on this matter.”

  • Who switched the light on in Abia? Celebrating Alex Otti’s two years of real governance

    Who switched the light on in Abia? Celebrating Alex Otti’s two years of real governance

    • By: Obinna Udensi

    For many years, when people heard “Abia State,” what followed was either a complaint, a sigh, or a tired joke. Roads were in ruins, pensioners were begging, and the government looked more like a family inheritance. But in just two years, something unusual, almost suspiciously good, has happened. The streetlights are on. Salaries are paid. Roads are being fixed. Aba is cleaning up. People are hopeful again.

    So I ask again, with all seriousness, who switched the light on in Abia?

    His name is Dr Alex Chioma Otti, the people’s governor, the man who took over the steering wheel on May 29, 2023, and chose to drive forward instead of circling the same potholes of the past. He is not performing magic. He is just doing what leaders are meant to do — lead with sense, vision, and courage.

    And as he clocks two years in office this May 29, it is only right we pause, reflect, and give him his due. He is undercelebrated, and Abia must do better in acknowledging the man who is finally treating the state like it matters.

    Here are some of Dr Alex Otti’s most notable achievements in just two short years:

    Infrastructure That Speaks for Itself

    Ossah Road Dualisation (Umuahia): This critical road leading to the Government House had been a mess for decades. Reconstruction is now nearing completion with proper drainage, walkways, and lighting.

    Port Harcourt Road (Aba): One of the most neglected roads in the commercial hub of Aba, now awarded to Julius Berger and under full reconstruction, a first in decades.

    Over 40 roads have been reconstructed or rehabilitated across Aba, Umuahia, Ohafia, and surrounding towns, including Omuma, Kent, College Road, Uratt, and MCC by Okigwe Road.

    Fresh faces in government

    Dr Otti did not recycle old politicians. He introduced new people to leadership — professionals, technocrats, and competent young hands who are result-driven:

    Read Also: JUST IN: Peter Obi, Alex Otti convene Labour Party NEC meeting

    This shift from political loyalty to performance-based leadership is refreshing and impactful.

    Civil Service Reform and Salary Payments

    Cleared several months of unpaid salaries and pensions left behind by previous administrations, put in place a monthly salary system where workers and pensioners are now paid promptly without having to protest, introduced a digital payroll and verification platform to eliminate ghost workers and sanitise the system

    Aba and Umuahia are breathing again

    Under the Clean Aba Initiative, refuse heaps are being cleared, and waste management is now functioning; regular street cleaning, drainage work, and market sanitation are changing the look and feel of Aba

    Health sector uplift

    Renovated and equipped the Amachara General Hospital and over 15 primary healthcare centres in rural communities; rolled out mobile medical outreach programs to reach underserved communities; recruited more health workers and ensured drug supply in public hospitals.

    Education and youth empowerment

    Renovated several public schools across the state; reintroduced regular teacher retraining programs; launched the Abia Innovation and Tech Hub, creating access to digital training and remote job opportunities for youths.

    Transparent and accountable governance

    Holds regular town hall meetings to listen directly to the people, introduced quarterly media briefings to explain government actions and finances; brought back public confidence by showing working results instead of hiding behind sirens.

    A new political culture

    This is not just about fixing roads. Dr Otti is resetting the leadership template in Abia. For the first time in decades, governance is not about settling political allies or doing the bare minimum. It is about serving the people with dignity and honesty.

    Let the work continue

    As a proud Abian, I believe every well-meaning citizen must reject the old order and allow Dr Alex Otti to complete his 8-year mandate. Two years is not enough to repair all the damage done over decades, but it is more than enough to prove that this governor knows what he is doing.

    Abia is no longer a joke. It is becoming a benchmark. We have seen light, and it is only right that we protect it.

    Most of us outside the state heard the gist, came back home, and saw more than we were told. This is not politics. This is progress. And it deserves our gratitude and our support.

    God bless Dr Alex Otti. God bless Abia State.

  • Labour Party slams Peter Obi, Otti over ‘Illegal’ NEC move

    Labour Party slams Peter Obi, Otti over ‘Illegal’ NEC move

    Officials of Nigeria’s Labour Party (LP) have accused Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of attempting to take control of the party’s structure for personal political gain.

    In response, party leaders have vowed to resist what they described as a covert and desperate attempt by Otti and Obi.

    The accusation was made in a statement issued by the LP’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, on Thursday in Kaduna. He condemned the “illegal” National Executive Council (NEC) meeting that Otti and Obi convened in Abuja on Wednesday, calling it a breach of party protocol.

    He said, “At the end of their illegal meeting in Abuja, Mr Obi led other party outlaws to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in an attempt to pressure the Commission to take unlawful action against the party leadership.

    “Their mission demonstrates the high level of desperation to seize control of the party’s structure. If the Supreme Court ruling truly supports them, why the rush to INEC to exert undue influence?”

    Ibrahim also claimed that Obi and Otti offered a “soft landing” to the National Chairman, Julius Abure, by proposing to make him Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

    “But unfortunately for them, Abure did not appoint himself chairman. It is not about personalities; it is about the supremacy of party organs and adherence to due process,” he said.

    “It is not within anyone’s prerogative to allocate positions. This sort of political patronage undermines the sanctity of our democratic institutions. Such arbitrary behaviour by leaders is partly responsible for the state of governance in the country.”

    He further alleged that the Abuja meeting included threats and plans to reclaim party leadership by any means, including force.

    Ibrahim referenced a similar stance by labour union leader Comrade Joe Ajaero, who had vowed to picket LP offices nationwide.

    “Our immediate response to Obi, Otti and other renegades is that their plans amount to self-help. If the court ruling is in their favour, there are legal means to enforce it. Intimidation and threats will not yield positive outcomes,” he said.

    He added that the meeting violated a Supreme Court ruling which reaffirmed that only the National Secretary, in consultation with the National Chairman, could convene NEC meetings.

    Read Also: Labour Party threatens to sanction Obi, Otti for planning ‘illegal’ NEC

    “Obi and Otti lack the constitutional authority to convene such a meeting. Therefore, both the meeting and its resolutions are null and void,” he stated.

    Ibrahim also faulted the list of attendees circulated ahead of the meeting, describing it as evidence of illegality.

    Attendees reportedly included the 2023 vice-presidential candidate, serving and former lawmakers, members of the so-called National Caretaker Committee, and representatives of the NLC and TUC.

    “There is no mention of any ‘National Caretaker Committee’ in our party constitution. Nor is there any provision for a governor or former presidential candidate to convene a NEC meeting,” Ibrahim said.

    He concluded by warning that if party leaders cannot respect internal rules while out of power, they are unlikely to uphold the national constitution if given the opportunity.

    “We condemn this illegal meeting in totality and urge members and the public to disregard both the gathering and its outcomes,” he said.

  • JUST IN: Peter Obi, Alex Otti convene Labour Party NEC meeting

    JUST IN: Peter Obi, Alex Otti convene Labour Party NEC meeting

    Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s candidate for president in 2023, and the Abia state governor, Alex Otti, have jointly called a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

    The NEC gathering is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Abuja.

    In a statement signed by Ibrahim Umar, spokesperson for the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), the list of invited participants includes the 2023 vice-presidential candidate, current and former senators, senatorial candidates, members of the House of Representatives, and other 2023 House candidates representing the Labour Party.

    “The two leading figures of the Labour Party, 2023 presidential flag bearer Peter Obi and the only state governor of the party, Alex Otti of Abia State, have summoned the National Executive Committee (NEC) to meet in Abuja on Wednesday, April 9, 2025,” the statement read.

    Read Also: Labour Party alerts police, DSS over alleged NLC plot to invade national secretariat

    “In a notice signed by the two men, the NEC meeting will be followed concurrently by an interactive Town Hall Engagement with key stakeholders and other organs of the party at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel. The stakeholders expected to attend the meeting include the vice-presidential candidate for the 2023 election, serving and former senators, and senatorial candidates of LP in the 2023 election, along with serving and former members of the House of Representatives and LP candidates from the 2023 election.”

    Other attendees will include “all members of the National Caretaker Committee and NTC, all former governorship candidates still in the party, representatives of the NLC/TUC Political Commission, and all members of the former LP National Working Committee.”

    Umar added that the meeting is “a furtherance of the Supreme Court ruling last week, terminating the Julius Abure-led NWC.”

  • We have zero tolerance for corruption, poor performance, Abia gov warns new appointees

    We have zero tolerance for corruption, poor performance, Abia gov warns new appointees

    The governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has advised the new appointees in his administration to dislike corruption and poor performance in their place of duties.

    This is even as he charged them to give in their best by demonstrating dedication and excellence in serving the State.

    Otti gave the charge at the Banquet Hall, Government House Umuahia, during the swearing-in ceremony of his Special Adviser on Projects, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole and the inauguration of the Executive Secretary of the Abia State Diaspora Commission, Dr Mrs Annie Onu.

    Otti, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to high standards, emphasized that his administration places a high standard on service delivery, pointing out that Abians deserve the best and urged those privileged to serve to strive to meet those expectations.

    “Here we have zero tolerance for corruption and poor performance. Our expectations are always very high because the standards Abia people deserve are also very high.

    “People who are serving, those who have been selected, those who have been privileged to be of service to the people, give the best; only the best is acceptable. I charge you to give your best. You are going to meet challenges, and people will oppose you, but like I always say, once you remain focused, you will get to your destination,” Otti said.

    The governor described his Special Adviser on Projects, Dr. Meribole, a medical doctor with a career transition into project management and engineering, who recently retired from the Federal Ministry of Aviation as a Permanent Secretary as “a square peg in a square hole”.

    Otti, who emphasized Dr. Meribole’s vast experience in aviation infrastructure as an asset to Abia, expressed confidence in his ability to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.

    “He is one of our gifts from Abia to the nation. We thought we should bring him to contribute to what we are doing in this State.

    “He has already jumped into the construction of the Abia Airport, and coming from that industry, I believe that we can go to bed without our eyes closed because he already knows what to do.

    Read Also: Abia teams rule national U- 12, U-15 handball tourney

    “He has already started engaging and monitoring the contractors, ensuring that everything goes well in the construction that has already started.

    “Of course, beyond that, there are several other projects, and he will have his eyes on all of them ensuring quality, ensuring timelines are delivered and cost overruns are avoided as much as possible.

    “We want to welcome you, and we know that you are not going to disappoint us,” Otti stated.

  • NASS commends Otti for signing Electricity Bill into law

    NASS commends Otti for signing Electricity Bill into law

    The National Assembly has commended Governor Alex Otti for signing the Abia State Electricity Bill into Law and creating a regulatory body for electricity generation and distribution in Abia State.

    The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene gave the commendation when he led a delegation of the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy to pay the Governor a working visit.

    “Your Excellency, let me begin by thanking you for agreeing to meet with us. 

    “I also want to thank you for signing into law, the Abia State electricity bill and in that bill, we saw how you prioritised the place of renewable energy.

    “You have gone ahead to put in place the Abia state Electricity Regulatory Authority, signifying that you have moved on since the National Assembly moved the issue of electricity to the concurrent list. Going forward, it is going to be a partnership,” Ogene stated.

    He appreciated other giant strides of Otti especially in the areas of road infrastructure, saying that the areas he visited across the state bears testaments of the Governor’s commitment to the bettering of Abia State.

    Ogene said that the enormous power challenges  confronting the nation can not be over emphasized, hence, the attention being paid to renewable energy.

    According to him, the transition of Nigeria to renewable energy is a top priority to the House of Representatives, hence, it’s popularisation by the House. 

    Read Also: Residents protest high electricity bills in Abia

    Ogene invited Otti to participate and partner with the National Assembly in that regard.

    “This strategic approach tends to popularize the new technology and encourage Nigerians to adopt renewable energy solutions, thereby, strengthening National energy options and security.

    “The House has also taken a significant step towards promoting renewable energy sustainability by recently adopting a resolution that makes it mandatory for Government Ministries, Agencies and Departments including Institutions to transition to renewable energy sources for their power means.

    “To further place renewable energy on the front burner, the committee in conjunction with the office of the Speaker has scheduled a National Legislative Summit, between May 5th and 7th, 2025 to cast more light on the legislative and regulatory gaps in the sector.

    “Specifically, the summit aims to facilitate knowledge exchange to promote dialogue among legislators, experts and stakeholders for critical Legislative priorities, Legislative frame works and global best practices.

    “Our purpose is to formally brief you on the upcoming summit and extend an invitation for your participation and partnership,” Ogene noted.

    Otti appreciated the kind comments from members of the committee about his government and maintained that the contributions that he had made in the past 22 months of his administration is just what the people need.

    “I am also glad to hear about your good experiences here in Abia State, because, sometimes, when you are told a few things, it is not the same with when you see them with your eyes.

    “For those who knew this State before now, we came determined to rewrite the story of this State. 

    “The basic issue is that we know the potentials of our people and we know that all they require is a little support from the Government.

    “They don’t need you to give them money. Our people don’t believe in hand outs, they believe in the raw energy that God has given them.

    “It’s just a little support; create an enabling environment, create a State where security can be guaranteed and the social Infrastructures of healthcare and education, and then of course, the hard infrastructure like roads,” Otti stated.

  • Otti receives NDDC Sports Festival torch, assures Team Abia of support

    Otti receives NDDC Sports Festival torch, assures Team Abia of support

    Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has received the NDDC 2025 Sports Festival Torch with the assurance that the state would support the state’s representatives at the tournament.

    The torch arrived in Abia from Imo State, where it was presented to Governor Otti.

    Governor Otti charged the Abia Team to excel in the tournament, assuring them of the full support of the state government as they prepared for their trip.

    Read Also: Carloha, NFF seal partnership deal

    The governor referred to the torch as a symbol of unity and light, congratulated the Abia team in advance, expressing his confidence that they would win the sports festival and return home with the trophy.

    “Let me start by congratulating you, because I can see that you are champions already, even before the games start. I want to thank you for bringing this torch here.”

    “It’s a symbol of unity; it is a symbol of light, and Abia stands for light. I also want to thank the NDDC for organizing the Niger Delta Sports Festival 2025, where the nine states under the NDDC will compete,” the Governor stated.

  • Why I’m still operating from my private residence – Otti

    Why I’m still operating from my private residence – Otti

    The governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has explained why he was still carrying out his duties as the governor of the state from his private residence in Isiala, Ngwa South Local Government Area of the state.

    Otti had come under severe criticisms by the opposition parties in the state over the choice of his private residence as his duty post as the governor of the state.

    But Otti, responding to a question on why he has been working from his private home instead of renovating and retrofitting the Government House in Umuahia, lamented the high level of looting by appointees of the immediate past administration, which he said had rendered the facility unusable.

    Governor Otti insisted that he was more concerned about delivering democracy dividends to Abians than where he operates from.

    He said: “You are worried that I am not operating from here. I don’t think you should worry about that. The important thing is that I am operating.

    “Abians want to see activities; not where their governor is staying. Where I live is not as important as having roads in Aba and Umuahia and other local government areas in Abia State.

    “It is not as important as ensuring that Aba and Umuahia particularly are kept clean on a 24-hour, seven-day basis. It is not as important as ensuring that our people have good hospitals to go to.

    Read Also: Biafra agitation beyond Nnamdi Kanu, says Otti 

    “It is not as important as ensuring that our schools are fixed.

    “Those were the areas I declared a state of emergency. I didn’t declare emergency on Government House and where the governor will live.

    “So, what the issue is, is that this Government House is important but not as important as some of the things that I mentioned earlier.”

    The governor further explained that his decision to delay moving into the Government House was based on careful resource allocation, and reassured Abians that the state’s seat of power would be fixed in due course, not just for his administration but for future governors.

    He added: “When I inspected both the Governor’s Lodge and the Governor’s Office, they were in terrible states of disrepair, vandalized and looted.

    “Renovating them requires significant funds, but I considered it more urgent to channel those resources into infrastructure, security, health, environment and education.

    “I can assure you that in no distant time, since we have taken care of those important areas, we’ll come here (Government House) and fix it.”

  • I won’t negotiate with those who ruined Abia – Governor Otti 

    I won’t negotiate with those who ruined Abia – Governor Otti 

    Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has vowed not to negotiate with individuals who contributed to the state’s past failures, accusing them of resorting to blackmail and falsehood after failing to lobby their way into his administration. 

    Speaking at two separate church services in Umuahia North and South local government areas, Otti emphasized that while he does not claim to be perfect, his administration remains committed to doing what is right for the people of Abia.

    “We will not deliberately do the wrong thing. You may hear some people making noise left, right, and center; it is because they are used to things being done in the wrong way, and we have come to say NO.

    “So, if you bring something that is wrong to us, we are not afraid to say no. Some of them have resorted to attacks in the media.

    “They started by applying – you need us to run a government, we politely declined to say darkness and daylight have no meeting points.

    “And the next thing they do is to start attacking you thinking you would call them for negotiations. We are not doing anything wrong.

    “Ours is a government that has integrity; we will never negotiate with criminals”, Governor Otti stated amidst applause from the worshipers.

    Read Also: Gender mainstreaming key to reducing civilian casualty during conflict, says NDC commandant

    Speaking further, the Governor told his audience that he wants to restore the dignity of Abians.

    “After the restoration of our infrastructure, the next thing is to restoring the dignity of Abians… Growing up here in Abia or whatever name it was called, Imo or East Central State, one of the things our people were known for is that we don’t beg.

    “We are hard-working people; all we require is the enabling environment. Give us roads, give us good drainages, clean the environment, give us power, give us a good education, provide good healthcare system, etc”, the Governor explained.

    The governor said: “If you provide those basic amenities, people will not disturb the Government but will work and fend for themselves.”

    Governor Otti stated that his administration is working diligently to restore the culture of hard work and contentment among the people by creating an enabling environment for them to pursue decent livelihoods and take pride in their work, business, and identity.

    He highlighted that the free and compulsory education policy at the basic and secondary school levels has led to a significant increase in enrollment in public schools, putting pressure on the already inadequate educational facilities in the State.

    To address this issue, Governor Otti announced that an emergency has been declared in the education sector, and contracts have been awarded for upgrading 221 public schools across the 184 wards of the State to accommodate the surge in enrollment.

    “And that is why from the beginning of this year, we have abolished school fees. If your child is in any school in Abia, primary or secondary, you will pay zero Naira.

    “In the next few months, we will complete the fixing and upgrading of 221 schools. Some of them and very few of them just require little maintenance, but the majority of them are in a terrible state of disrepair,” the Governor stated amidst shouts of Joy from the worshipers.

    The governor thanked the church for their prayers and continued support saying that the prayer of the church does a greater part of the job because when God is with you, it’s difficult to do the wrong thing.

    He reassured the church that greater things were coming as what they had seen in the last 21 months of his administration were mere “dress rehearsals.”

  • Sanwo-Olu celebrates Otti’s leadership, economic impact at 60

    Sanwo-Olu celebrates Otti’s leadership, economic impact at 60

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has praised Abia State Governor, Alex Otti for his contributions to Nigeria’s economic and political landscape as he marks his 60th birthday. 

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu commended Otti’s impact, particularly in the banking sector and governance, describing him as a “seasoned economist, banker, and philanthropist. 

    “In less than two years in office, he has displayed exemplary leadership as a good manager of human and capital resources. He has delivered dividends of democracy to the people of Abia State,” 

    Read Also: 94-year-old man registers for 2025 UTME to study political science in UI

    The Lagos governor also lauded Otti’s role in infrastructural development, calling him a model of good governance in the South-East. 

    “Governor Otti has contributed to our economy, particularly in the banking sector, where he distinguished himself before venturing into politics to serve as a governor,” 

    Sanwo-Olu, on behalf of his wife, Ibijoke, and the people of Lagos, wished Otti good health and continued strength to serve Abia and Nigeria.