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Tag: Alex Otti

  • Abia gov moves to avert labour strike, meets Labour leadership

    Abia gov moves to avert labour strike, meets Labour leadership

    Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has met with the members of the organised labour in the state with a directive to the Accountant-General of the state to liaise with the labour within the next one week to reconcile the actual amount that the least paid worker in the state should receive as minimum wage.

    The directive is coming against the complaint by the NLC State Chairman, Comrade Ogbonnaya Okoro that the State Government is currently paying N20,100 Naira while workers in the local governments receive N18,000 as minimum wage.

    The governor spoke during a meeting with the organised labour in the state comprising the NLC, TUC, and Joint Negotiating Council.

    According to the governor, the record available to him shows that the state is paying N30,000 minimum wage.

    “I saw the payroll and I didn’t see anyone that is paid less than N30,000 and that is the minimum wage.

    “Maybe something is wrong and I’d like the Accountant General to please go and look into thaat because what is available to me is that we are complying with the minimum wage of N30,000 and that the least paid worker is actually paid thirty thousand, one hundred.

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    “Luckily, the Accountant General is seated here, so, I will give a directive that between now and the next one week, I need to be sure that something happens.

    “What is available to me is that we are complying and that the least paid person is paid N30,100,” Dr. Otti stated.

    Otti said that, against the backdrop of misleading information, Abia State Government has not received any dime from the Federal Government to implement N35,000 wage award for workers in the state.

    “There have been misleading stories all over the place that the Federal Government gave money to the state governments for the implementation of the wage award.

    “Last time I checked, there were no such monies. This state has not received a dime from the Federal government to implement any wage award.”

    He said that the State had been preparing itself for the implementation of the New National Minimum Wage, explaining that there are a whole lot of reasons to justify an increase in the national minimum wage, including the removal of petroleum subsidy, the reconvergence of foreign exchange rate, inflation among others.

    The governor disclosed that his government would create the Ministry of Labour and Productivity as his government is poised to make minimum changes to the structure of government.

    According to him, the new Ministry will have its Commissioner from the labour fold.

    On the issues of promotions and leave allowances, the governor, while explaining why the Command Promotions were reversed because the process was bastardized, assured that regular promotions are not affected and cannot be stopped. He directed the Accountant General to defray the leave allowances of the workers.

  • Governor Otti promises to reward outstanding corps members in Abia

    Governor Otti promises to reward outstanding corps members in Abia

    Governor Alex Otti of Abia state has affirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state.

    He pledged to recognise and reward corps members who excel during their service. Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 Corps Members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Umunna, Bende L.G.A, Governor Otti, represented by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, expressed appreciation for the NYSC’s comprehensive package designed to equip corps members for nation-building and future challenges.

    He commended NYSC Director General, Brigadier Y.D. Ahmed, and his team for enhancing the relevance and attractiveness of the scheme to Nigerian youths.

    Otti emphasised Abia State’s reputation for industrial and entrepreneurial spirit, urging corps members to fully engage in the skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programs.

    He highlighted the programs’ potential to shape their futures and cultivate essential leadership qualities needed to realize the nation’s aspirations.

    ”I therefore enjoin you to participate actively in all the activities and programmes which will bring out the best in you towards improving where you are posted.

    “I charge you to be disciplined, focused and hardworking which are qualities that will propel you to success”, the governor tasked them, even as he assured them that their welfare would remain paramount to his government as well as do all within the resources to make their stay worthwhile.

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    In his speech, the chairman of Abia state Governing board and Commissioner for Sport and Youth Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, called on the corps members posted to the state to be part of the efforts of the government and NYSC scheme in uniting the nation as well involving themselves in all the programme of the scheme that is geared towards integrating them into the state of deployment.

    He commended Otti for his unquantifiable support and assistance in providing the enabling environment for corps members serving in Abia to thrive.

    Earlier in her address, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs. Gladys Adama revealed that the scheme is targeted at bringing out the potential of the youths for national development and moulding in them patriotic ideals such as hard work, discipline and a high moral tone to make them responsible future leaders.

    Adama, who disclosed that a total number of 1,667 corps members comprising 691 males and 977 were posted to the state, said that since 51 years ago the scheme was established by the federal government, it has been fostering national unity and integration.

    She commended Governor Otti for his support and also for ensuring the security of the lives and property of corps members in the state.

    The Abia NYSC boss also lauded the governor for creating a very conducive environment for them to serve.

    The 1, 667 corps members were sworn in by the Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Lilian Abai who was represented by Justice Collington Okoroafor.

    The Commander 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Brigadier General O. O. Diya was represented by Lt. Col A. A. Adebayo; Commissioner of Police, Abia State Police Headquarters, CP Kenechukwu Onwuemelie was represented by A.C.P. Imo Stanley, during the ceremony.

  • Abia governor orders security agencies to fish out kidnappers of siblings

    Abia governor orders security agencies to fish out kidnappers of siblings

    Governor Alex Otti of Abia has issued a directive to the state’s security agencies to locate the commercial motorcyclist who fled with three schoolchildren from the same family in Amaoba Oboro, Ikwuano Local Government Area.

    The three siblings—Gideon Osinachi (8 years old), Divine Osinachi (6 years old), and Israel Osinachi (4 years old)—were reportedly abducted on their way home from school in Amaoba Ime Oboro, Ikwuano, on Friday, May 10.

    It was reported that their grandmother had placed the three children on a commercial motorcycle to take them home. However, the unidentified motorcyclist vanished with them without a trace.

    In response to this distressing incident, the Mayor of Ikwuano LGA, Honorable Osinachi Nwaka, promptly mobilized all security agencies to begin immediate efforts to locate the missing children.

    Briefing Government House Correspondents in Umuahia after this week’s Executive Council Meeting, Commissioner for Information and Culture Prince Okey Kanu, said the Governor had also reached out to the family of the kids.

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    He stated that the Governor had also reached out to the children’s family, assuring them of a timely and safe recovery of the children while advising parents against entrusting their children to strangers.

    Ikwuano LGA Mayor Nwaka, had also called on eyewitnesses or individuals with relevant information on the incident to contact the nearest police station or utilize the following hotlines: 0803 427 0914, 0803 797 8707, 0806 259 8068.

    Nwaka also extended the solidarity and support of the people of Ikwuano to the distressed family while calling on all communities in the Local Government to be security conscious as well as rally together for the safe return of Gideon, Divine, and Israel Osinachi.

    The Nation had reported that the parents of the children Mrs. Glory Osinachi and her husband, Mr. Osinachi Eluwa have been devastated by the disappearance of their children.

    Their traumatized mother was said to have been admitted in a private hospital in the state where she’s said to be receiving medical attention.

  • Ban on ex-govs, deputies pension not targeted at Ikpeazu, says Otti

    Ban on ex-govs, deputies pension not targeted at Ikpeazu, says Otti

    The governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti has debunked the claim that the decision of the Abia State House of Assembly lawmakers to outlaw the payment of pensions to the past governors and deputies of the state was targeted at his predecessor, Okezie Ikpeazu.

    The Nation reports that the decision of the Abia State House of Assembly lawmakers to ban payment of pensions to former governors and their deputies has since generated controversies as many, especially those close to the immediate former governor of the state had opined that it was both a witch-hunt and attempt by the incumbent administration to deny ex-governor Ikpeazu the benefit of enjoying the privilege that other former governors and their deputies enjoyed within the eight years Ikpeazu was the governor of the state.

     The Chief Press Secretary to Ikpeazu, Mr. Onyebuchi Ememanka had in a statement issued on behalf of his former boss, disclosed that his boss had not received any pension arrears from Otti in the last 10 months.

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    A statement that has generated a lot of controversies in the state.

    But in a statement issued by Dr. Otti’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Otti maintained that his predecessor was not targeted as many had made to believe.

    According to Ekeoma, the repealed law was in the interest of Abians, contrary to the rumours being peddled around by the cronies of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) led government.

    Ekeoma in the statement said “Our attention has been drawn to a release issued by the immediate past- Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu through his Spokesman, Onyebuchi Ememanka, wherein he manifested unprovoked anger against the present Abia State government over the decision of the Alex Otti led-government to repeal the Abia State Law of No.4 2001 which made provision for the payment of pension to former Governors and former deputy governors.

     “Dr. Ikpeazu alleged that the report of the repealed law was “mischievously sponsored and couched to give the false impression that he is amongst the former governors of the state currently receiving a pension from the state government.

    “The release went further to advise the Otti led-government ” to face the business of governance and desist from engaging in needless media sensationalism.

    “As a responsible government, we owe Abians a duty of putting the records straight at all times so that we wouldn’t be accused or judged wrongly on the basis of falsehood being peddled by those who are being hunted by their past misdeeds against the people. 

    “We, therefore, state that, at no time did Abia State government or her spokespersons issue any statement mentioning Dr. Ikpeazu or any former governor with respect to the repealed law. 

    “The law is a state policy that would outlive every governor and deputy governor. It is not targeted at any individual or individuals. 

    “The infantile release and the tone thereof suggest that Ikpeazu is angry over Otti’s decision to repeal the law which has since attracted massive accolades and support from the people. 

    “Ikpeazu didn’t need to remind Abians that he “has not received a dime as pension since leaving office” because he is not in a position to pay himself.”

     “Of course, Governor Otti could not have paid him when the governor has been busy grappling with the task of trying to clean the mess and clear years of accumulated arrears running into several billions which the former Governor left behind.

    “The anger that propelled the issuance of that release suggests that the former governor was actually expecting to be paid by Governor Otti, just like he, Ikpeazu paid his predecessors. 

    “As much as we do not begrudge the former governor for having that expectation that has now been dashed, it is important to remind him that it would be a clear act of injustice for him to be paid when he did not deem it fit as Governor to prioritise the pensions of thousands of senior citizens who are hoping on the intervention of the present governor for the payment of their accumulated arrears, some of them dating back to 2015. 

    “Governor Alex Otti is simply thinking of Abians first, hence the luxury of politicians remains secondary. 

    “Dr. Ikpeazu and his aides know very well that Governor Otti is facing governance with seriousness, sincerity, and tenacity which is why the state is swiftly becoming a positive reference point, therefore Governor Otti does not require such unsolicited admonition from the former Governor to realise the need to face governance.

  • Ohanaeze Ndigbo boss Iwuanyanwu hails Otti’s performance

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo boss Iwuanyanwu hails Otti’s performance

    • Tap into available mineral resources to develop Southeast, group urges Igbo

    The President-General of apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has hailed Abia State Governor Alex Otti for his sterling performance, describing his achievements as legendary.

    He took the opportunity of the visit to the governor to urge Igbo leaders, especially governors, to tap into the unharnessed natural resources found in the region, for economic development of Southeast.

    Iwuanyanwu spoke when he and some executive members of the organisation visited the governor at his Nvosi country home in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government.

    He congratulated Governor Otti for making the Igbo proud, saying they are proud of him.

    Iwuanyanwu said the visit was to give a comprehensive report of Ohanaeze to the governor, adding that he received excellent report of the performance of  Otti.

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    “I have field officers who report to me. They have given me excellent report on the performance of Governor Otti. I have also confirmed the information. I have sent people to the field,” he said.

    Iwuanyanwu, who said Igbo land is blessed with abundant natural resources, including limestone, uranium, coal, oil, among others, noted that it was time Ndigbo tapped into the unharnessed natural resources found in the region for economic development.

    He said there was need to change the misconception about Ndigbo by non- Igbo, stressing that it could only be done by Ndigbo telling their own story, rather than allowing others to tell an incomplete story of them.

    Receiving the delegation, Governor Otti thanked Chief Iwuanyanwu and others for the endorsement, saying he came to office prepared because he understood the problems of the people.

    He said one of the challenges of the people was access road.

    He added that he had started tackling it.

    Otti took the opportunity to reveal that he had approved that an assessment of the International Glass Industry, Aba and other moribund industries be done to enable his government take decision on whether to retrofit them or build new ones.

    He said Abia had many mineral resources that would be harnessed.

    The governor, who pledged to support Ohanaeze Ndigbo, thanked Chief Iwuanyanwu for accepting to serve Ndigbo, describing Igbo as industrious, business-like and lovers of education.

  • BREAKING: Supreme Court dismisses PDP’s case against Otti’s election as Abia governor

    BREAKING: Supreme Court dismisses PDP’s case against Otti’s election as Abia governor

    The Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the last governorship election in Abia State, Okechukwu Ahiwe seeking to sack Labour Party’s Alex Otti as the Governor of Abia State.

    In a judgment a moment ago, the apex court held that the appeal was unmeritorious and proceeded to dismiss it.

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    Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, who read the lead judgment held that the appellants (Ahiwe and the PDP) failed to prove their case that Otti was not qualified to contest the election and that the election was marred by substantial non-complaint.

    Justice Abba-Aji proceeded to affirm the concurrent judgments of the election tribunal and the Court of Appeal.

    The court is currently delivering its judgment another appeal filed by the APC and its candidate, Ikechi Emenike against Otti’s election.

    Details shortly…

  • Abia govt uncovers ‘Japa’ doctors still collecting salaries

    Abia govt uncovers ‘Japa’ doctors still collecting salaries

    Governor Alex Otti of Abia state has said that his government had uncovered on its payroll some doctors who left the state employment and migrated abroad to seek greener pastures, in what is commonly known as ‘Japa.’

    According to the governor, such doctors are still collecting salaries from the state despite that they have left the state employment and are now working abroad.

    Otti made the revelation while speaking at the first Abia State Council on Health at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia with the theme, “Providing an Accessible, Affordable and Quality Healthcare System for the New Abia”.

    The governor, while observing that doctors’ emigration had impacted negatively on the state’s health sector, promised to tackle the trend by giving doctors a special welfare package from next year.

    He said: “The ‘japa’ syndrome has indeed taken its toll on the health sector; however, this administration is not leaving any stone unturned in addressing this challenge. To this end, the government has resolved to motivate our health care workers through prompt payment of their wages and improvement of welfare packages that we will introduce from 2024.”

    The governor added that his administration would recruit more health workers to strengthen the health sector.

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    He said: “We are in the process of recruiting new skilled birth attendants to improve healthcare service delivery in the state. Furthermore, our ongoing digitalisation of the Abia State civil service has uncovered some staff that have left their duty post for greener pastures, yet still receive remuneration from the government. While the criminality involved in this is going to be addressed by the relevant agencies of government, the important thing here is that we do not have the number of hands that were hitherto reported. We are working hard to fill these gaps.”

    Otti said his government was strengthening primary health care and ensuring that health facilities were manned by personnel across the state.

    The Minister of Health, represented by the Permanent Secretary of Abia State Ministry of Health, Dr Ifenyinwa Uma-Kalu, stressed the need for state governments to support the federal government by providing the necessary infrastructure in the health care system.

    The Commissioner for Health, Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo, described the first State Council on Health as a demonstration of the commitment of Otti’s administration to prioritising developmental initiatives that are capable of unlocking the potential of Abia’s strategic human capital.

  • Otti reveals plans to increase workers’ minimum wage 

    Otti reveals plans to increase workers’ minimum wage 

    Abia state governor, Alex Otti has revealed that his government was engaging with leaderships and stakeholders of various worker’s unions in the state to fashion out how to improve on the minimum wage of the state workers to align with the present economic realities.

    The governor disclosed this during the 3rd edition of his monthly media chat held in Government House, Umuahia.  

    According to him, the reason for adjusting the pay of the workers was because of the economic realities of the nation. 

    He said: “We do understand that things are a bit more difficult for the people. We are engaging with stakeholders to see how we can improve on the pay of civil servants in line with the present economic realities; where exchange rates have converged upwards and fuel subsidy has been removed and inflation is heading to 30%. 

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    “We are already working to see how we can improve on not just the minimum wage but also across the line and announcement to that effect will be made in due course.”

    Governor Otti clarified that the recently retired Permanent Secretaries and Directors would receive arrears of salaries and their gratuities due to them. 

    He also reassured of his commitment to defray pension  arrears as earlier promised.

    The governor explained that he is not living in the Government House because his predecessor commissioned an uncompleted building while the old Government House was left in a dilapidated nature. 

    He stated: “My predecessor commissioned an uncompleted building. 

    “That’s a deceit of the highest order. He didn’t need to commission it. 

    “The question to ask is , construction started with the administration of T.A Orji, why didn’t they complete it and move into it? 

    “But he waited until the twilight of his administration. When we went to inspect it, we found out that he did a fantastic job on the ground floor. It was finished well but of course it had no bedrooms. 

    “Bedrooms were on the upper floors. The upper floors was not touched in fact , the second floor was not even plastered, so why commission? 

    “So I looked at it and found that it was not ready for occupation.The whole environment was also not ready to receive a governor. 

    “The office block has been abandoned for several years. So that place was not a place anybody could live.”

    For the old Government House, the Governor explained: “Now, I came back here and also found out that the Governor’s lodge and Governor’s office  were also in dilapidated state. 

    “I made an attempt, I sent some government engineers, valuers and they came with an estimated bill for the office alone, over 550 million. 

    “I looked at it and said, if I have 550 million, I will deploy it to other sectors, I took decision to operate from my house while I take the renovations one by one as the state finances would carry.”

    On the issue of alleged spending of nine hundred and twenty seven million naira on food by his government in the third quarter, Governor Otti said that there is no truth in the allegations as it is unfounded and a hatched man’s job of individuals who are intimidated by the numerous reforms ongoing in various sectors of the state economy, 

    He said: “There is nothing like that. It was a hatched man’s job, done for a particular purpose. The truth about the matter is that it was falsehood. 

    “The actual number has been clarified and I really don’t think it is something to decipate energy over. 

    “One thing I have to say is that our government is very prudent, prudent in the way it manages the resources of the state ensuring that the state gets value for money and it would be antithetical to reason that this same government that has been virtually working with empty hand, riding on goodwill would turn round and become profligate, not under my watch.”

  • Alex Otti flags off reconstruction of 6.7km Port Harcourt Road in Aba

    Alex Otti flags off reconstruction of 6.7km Port Harcourt Road in Aba

    Gov. Alex Otti of Abia on Thursday flagged off the reconstruction of 6.8km-Port Harcourt Road in Aba to enhance the economic prospects of the state.

    Speaking during the occasion in Aba, Otti described the reconstruction of the road as another strategic step in fulfilling his  campaign promises and reviving the long-abandoned economic activities in the area.

    The governor said that he was determined to ensure that on completion, the road would further drive the economic rejuvenation  and transform Aba into investors’ haven.

     According to him, the entire stretch of Port Harcourt Road formed a major hub for the servicing of heavy-duty vehicles, equipment, spare parts, power generating sets and ancillary tools.

    Otti added that this underscored  the strategic importance of the road in the achievement of the present administration’s rebuilding agenda.

    “For us, Port Harcourt Road, Aba, is not just any other project, it will be a testament of our willingness and determination to rebuild ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated’ as contained in Isaiah 61: 4,” he said.

    Otti said that the road had been in a state of dilapidation for two decades, adding that the project was an indication that the patience and commitment of Aba residents to genuine change had paid off.

    He urged the citizens to be  optimistic and expectant of quality road infrastructure from the present administration and added that the  days of mediocrity  were over.

    Otti  said: “For the purpose of clarity, we are not just talking about pouring asphalt or doing any haphazard job just for cheap political capital.

    “We have brought Julius Berger here for some well-defined reasons: to do a holistic job of fixing the road, addressing the age-long flooding problems especially at notoriously problematic points using appropriate technology and expertise.

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    “We shall ultimately see to it with very minimal maintenance at regular intervals.

    “This road shall continue to support the existing, new and returning businesses and their activities for at the very least, another 20 years, post-commissioning.”

    He said that the government  worked closely with the team from Julius Berger to ensure that the technical design and specifications adopted answered all the important questions regarding durability, reliability, flood control and other critical parameters.

    He said that the project had been chosen by the Inter-ministerial Committee, and that the committee evaluated the bids and assessed the suitability of the construction companies that expressed interest in the project.

    Otti  said that “as agreed by all parties, this project has a delivery timeline not exceeding 18 months and my expectation is that whatever needs to be done to meet the target would be done, including working round the clock”.

    The governor also, said that the government had set up a robust financing structure to ensure that payments would be completed on schedule to eliminate any setbacks which could arise from payment delays.

    Otti urged Aba residents to offer the contractor and his team the necessary support as well as  cooperation they needed to deliver the  project within the agreed timeline.

    He said that the government was determined to put the right structures in place within the next 12 months to make the economic opportunities in Aba  “too attractive for any serious investors to ignore” and improve the welfare of its residents.

    Otti said that the government was  developing an appropriate template to revive moribund public and private business concerns that once thrived in Aba, however, this would be subject to economic fundamentals.

    He charged the residents to support government’s efforts  through regular payment of taxes, being law abiding and guarding public assets against sabotage.

    Earlier, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Dr Lars Richter, thanked the state government for entrusting the organisation with the responsibility of reconstructing the road.

    Richter said:” I am looking forward to not only a successful commissioning but for a long standing partnership on other projects to deliver your vision to the people of Abia.”

    (NAN)

  • BREAKING: Tribunal dismisses PDP’s case against Alex Otti

    BREAKING: Tribunal dismisses PDP’s case against Alex Otti

    The governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Umuahia, the Abia State capital on Friday, October 6, struck out the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) election petition against the governor of the state, Alex Otti of the Labour Party (LP).

    The three man panel led by Hon. Justice H.T.D Gwadah in a three hours judgement dismissed the three grounds; Alex Otti’s qualification to participate in the 2023 governorship election, Electoral Malpractice and Otti’s inability to score the required number of votes to qualify him to be declared the winner of the 2023 polls, for which PDP approached the tribunal.

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    In her judgement, Gwadah dismissed the PDP petition for lack of merit.

    As at the time of filing the report, the tribunal which went on a short recess is back to hear the case between the governorship candidate of the APC and the Labour Party.

    Details shortly…