The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Otti

  • Otti denies endorsing church leader, reopening worship center

    Otti denies endorsing church leader, reopening worship center

    Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti has debunked the news making the rounds that he has endorsed Apostle J.U Esinna as the leader of the Apostolic Church Mission.

    This is even as Otti said that he didn’t order the re-opening of church’s headquarters located at the Omuma axis of Aba, Aba North Local Government Area of the state.

    Recall that The Nation had reported that the outgone government of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu had sealed the headquarters of the church following the leadership crisis that rocked the church which the then government said was threatening the relative peace being enjoyed by residents of the commercial nerve centre of the state.

    Reacting to the viral social media post Apostle K. C. Wiper, Special Adviser  on Religious Matters to Alex Otti said “My attention has been drawn to a misleading publication on the Facebook page of the Apostolic Christian Church Mission (ACCM), alleging my presence at a meeting of the church, where a purported unanimous decision of the entire Apostolic Christian Church Mission endorsed Apostle J.U Esinna as President and Bishop of ACCM.

    “I wish to state unequivocally that though I attended a meeting called by Apostle J. U. Esinna’s faction On the 11th of January 2024, I did not in any way or manner participate in the endorsement of any candidate as leader of the ACCM.

    “The said publication is therefore false and a figment of the imagination of the author and undoubtedly aimed at misinforming and misleading the public as to the true picture of what happened.

    “The truth is that I was unofficially informed of a meeting convened by Apostle J. U. Esinna’s faction of the Apostolic Christian Church Mission and to avert any repeat of the crisis as witnessed in the past in meetings of either faction I had to ensure I was there.

    “It would be recalled that on the 5th of January 2024, in a bid to finding lasting solution to the leadership crisis rocking ACCM, I had invited five delegates each of the two warring factions to a meeting at Unity Chapel, Government House, Umuahia.

    Edo 2024: I will get APC’s ticket, win gov election – Ize-Iyamu declares

    “The meeting had in audience, Arch. Bishop Chibuzo Opoko of the Methodist Church, Archbishop Chijioke Nwobia of the Anglican Communion and the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Abia State Chapter Rev. Dr. Ojo Ojo Uduma as counsellors. I was both the convener and moderator.

    “In the meeting, the two warring factions reached an agreement to nominate a neutral person as president and bishop  for the interest of peace and unity of the entire ACCM.

    “However, in this aforementioned meeting  held by the Apostle J.U. Esinna’s faction on 11th January 2024 members were led to reject the agreement both parties had reached in the presence of father’s of the faith on the 5th of January 2024.

    “This, I see as an attempt to fanning the embers of fresh leadership tussle and crisis in ACCM.

    “It is regrettable that Apostle Esinna’s faction is working to undermine all the lawful steps adopted by government and eminent father’s of faith in resolving the leadership tussle that had engulfed Apostolic Christian Church Mission (ACCM) in recent years.

    “They are therefore warned to desist from further dissemination of false publication on ACCM Facebook page and other act capable of worsening the leadership crisis rocking the Apostolic Christian Church Mission (ACCM).”

  • Otti appoints Okonjo-Iweala, Sanusi as members of advisory council

    Otti appoints Okonjo-Iweala, Sanusi as members of advisory council

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti yesterday announced the appointment of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Ms. Arunma Oteh and His Highness Khaleefa Muhammad Sanusi II as members of a 19-man Abia State Global Economic Advisory Council (AGEAC).

    They also include former Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN) President, Chidi Ajegbu, Mr. Bolaji Balogun, Mr. Victor Onyenkpa, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui Okauru, Mr. Uche Orji, Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli, Mr. Chika Nwobi and Dr. Olugbenga Adesida.

    Others are Prof. Ndubuisi Ekekwe, Mazi Clement Owunna, Dr. Uzodinma Iweala, Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor, Mr. George Agu, Mazi Uzo Nwankwo, Mr Chinedu Azodoh and Dr. Benedict Oramah.

    The governor said five members, drawn from the State Executive Council, who would represent the government in the advisory council, include him (Governor Otti), Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ikechukwu Uwanna, Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Kingsley Anosike, Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Michael Akpara and Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu.

    Read Also: Otti appoints Okonjo-Iweala, Arunma Oteh, Sanusi, 16 others as members of Abia Global Economic Advisory Council

    Dr. Otti said the constitution of AGEAC was part of his administration’s strategic plan to ensure economic development of the state.

    He added that the appointment of the 19 distinguished Nigerians with global records to serve in the council was aimed at building Abia into a self-sustaining economic hub.

    The governor said the secretariat of the council would be managed by the Principal Secretary to the Governor/Chief Strategy Officer, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, and Technical Assistant to the Governor, Mr. Charles Egonye, supported by Mrs. Victoria Onwubiko and Ms Amaka Okonkwo from the private sector.

    AGEAC serves as a key advisory body, offering strategic insights and recommendations to guide the state’s economic and investment policies.

    The advisers will collaborate with the relevant commissioners to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring Abia State remains at the forefront of innovation and economic development within the region and globally.

  • Otti’s court victory prayer answered, says acting rector

    Otti’s court victory prayer answered, says acting rector

    The acting Rector, Abia State  Polytechnic, Aba, Dr. Chidinma Ndukwe, has described last Friday’s victory of Governor Alex Otti at the Supreme Court as a prayer answered.

    The acting rector, addressing academic and non-academic workers of the polytechnic at the institution’s pavilion yesterday, during a prayer session organised by the management of the polytechnic to mark the official resumption of academic and administrative activities for 2024, said they had long prayed for the victory of Dr. Otti at the Supreme Court.

    Ndukwe, who reminded the polytechnic workers of the need for them to support the Otti government through hard work, noted that the victory was a huge relief for them.

    She pledged that the polytechnic workers would not relent in their support for the governor.

    Ndukwe said: “He is a man that God has sent to wipe away our tears. We are very grateful for what God has used you to do in our school.

    Read Also: Ibadan explosion: Akpabio condoles Oyo govt, victims

    “This is a new Abia Poly. God has visited Abia Poly. We promise our amiable governor that we will no fail him. We will continue to do our work.

    “We will continue to produce students that are credible; who can represent this institution and state anywhere. We will keep producing students that we all can be proud of.”

    Deputy Rector Academics, Dr. Fijo Kalu, 

    who described Otti as a man who attached value to human lives, said the governor within a few months in office had shown commitment to the welfare of workers in the state and Abia Poly in particular.

  • Abia open to foreign economic partnership, says Otti

    Abia open to foreign economic partnership, says Otti

    Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, says the state is open to business and therefore ready to partner with countries and organisations that can boost the socioeconomic fortunes of the state.

    Governor Otti spoke when he received the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Nigeria, Dr. Usra Hendra Harahap, who came on a working visit.

    Besides making propositions in the area of education, agriculture and health, the governor made specific requests to the Indonesian Ambassador on how the Asian country can lift small businesses, entrepreneurship, technology and sea port development, saying that the state government would be willing to work with investors from Indonesia to develop these sectors.

    Read Also: Lagbaja hails Otti’s efforts to improve security

    “A few requests that we want to make, one of them is the establishment of an entrepreneurship and technology development centre in the state, either in Aba or Umuahia.

    “Our people are very, very innovative, so all they require is a little support in terms of enabling environment, support in terms of infrastructure, support in terms of seed capital.

    “The government is very serious about providing these kinds of support. When you talk about SMEs, this is where it comes from.

    “If we can work together to establish an entrepreneurship and technology centre anywhere in the state, I know you’ve done that for a few countries, you can also do that for us here.

    “The other one is that we have decided to build a sea port. Government will partner with the private sector to build a sea port.

    “In one of our local governments, Ukwa East, close to Ukwa-West where we have the oil and gas deposits, we have identified an area where we can build a sea port.”

    “If you do have skills and companies that can assist us, we will be very, very interested in working with them,” the governor said.

  • Lagbaja hails Otti’s efforts to improve security

    Lagbaja hails Otti’s efforts to improve security

    Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has paid glowing tributes to Abia State Governor Alex Otti for his leadership that has led to improvement of security. 

    Gen. Lagbaja, who was in Abia in continuation of his nationwide tour of formations and units of the Nigeria Army, thanked Dr Otti for the support he continued to extend to the Army, saying such would spur the security agency into working with the state government to provide a secure environment for peaceful living and conduct of business. 

    “I want to take this opportunity, Your Excellency, to appreciate you for your support and that of the good people of Abia State to our troops and even their families that are domiciled here in Abia State. 

    “I have been briefed on the several interventions of Abia State Government to 14 Brigade. 

    “They are very good, and even the infrastructure in our barracks. I want to sincerely appreciate you, Your Excellency, for your immeasurable support to our formation. 

    “I also want to appreciate you for your personal leadership that has led to tremendous improvement in the security situation in Abia State since your assumption of office. 

    “I’m saying this based on the hindsight of my knowledge of the state and the challenges as the General Officer Commanding 82 Division. 

    “I also want to pledge the readiness, the willingness and the availability of the formations and units of our 14 Brigade, and even other Nigerian Army assets deployed in this area, to support the dovernment of Abia State to ensure that we continue to improve on the state of security and assist the state government to provide that enabling environment for economic activities and development to thrive,” the Army Chief stated when he visited the governor at his country home in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government. 

    General Lagbaja, extolling Governor Otti, said Nigeria Army had enjoyed “a warm and cordial relationship” with the government and people of Abia State and solicited the governor to impress on the citizens to continue to support the Army “so that together we can continue to deliver on our constitutional responsibility and support the government.”

    Otti thanked Lagbaja for his visit, saying the Army Chief’s coming had further strengthened the government’s resolve to partner with the Army and work together to secure not just Abia, but also the whole of the Southeast.

    He thanked the Army for the support the government had received in the fight against insecurity in the state, citing the success of ‘Operation Crush’, the state’s special multi-agency security task force, led by the Army.

    Read Also: Tinubu emphasises need to revitalize steel sector for economic growth

    “So, let me take this opportunity to publicly thank you for the support you have given us because if you didn’t give the support, the success people are talking about today wouldn’t have happened. So we are very grateful.

    “We have worked together with the military as partners and brothers. Your men don’t sleep. 

    “Any time there is anything and we call them, they respond immediately. 

    “So, please extend our gratitude to them,” Governor Otti said.

    He said Abia State government is happy with the relationship it has had with the Army

    “This is why any time they have any need – infrastructural, vehicle – to the best of our ability, we try to meet them”. 

    This, according to the governor, is notwithstanding the general economic downturn in the country. 

    Otti acknowledged the critical role of security in the overall development of Abia, saying, “if you do not have security, you can’t talk about investment and you can’t even sleep with your two eyes closed.” 

    However, he said that not much would have been accomplished if peace reigned in Abia, while the spate of insecurity continued in other parts of the Southeast.  He subsequently made a case for a meeting of the Southeast governors with the army chief to address the lingering issues of insecurity in the Southeast.

  • APC to Ohanaeze: call Soludo, Otti to order over suspension, arrest of monarchs

    APC to Ohanaeze: call Soludo, Otti to order over suspension, arrest of monarchs

    • ’Actions affront against Igbo traditional institutions’

    Southeast zone of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged Ohanaeze Ndigbo to call Governors Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra and Alex Otti of Abia to order over suspension, intimidation and arrest of monarchs. 

    The call followed the suspension of the traditional ruler of Neni Community, Igwe Damian Ezeani, by Governor Soludo and arrest of the favourite for Arochukwu traditional stool in Abia State, Godwin Kanu Idei, over false allegations of impersonation.

    Ezeani had, during the Yuletide, conferred chieftaincy title on the lawmaker representing Anambra South and a member of the APC, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

    APC described the actions of Abia and Anambra state governments as an attempt to make Igbo crowns and stools an appendage of the APGA- led government of Anambra State and the LP-led government in Abia State.

    In a statement by its Zonal Chairman, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, the party said it had intervened in the matter in the two localities, condemning the acts and describing them as an aberration and an affront against Igbo traditional institutions. 

    Read Also; Airtel to build data centre in Nigeria

    It called on the pan-Igbo group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, prominent Igbo all over the country as well as Nigerians to condemn such acts, as they undermined the tradition of Ndigbo. 

    The statement said: “We received with shock the recent suspension of an esteemed traditional ruler, HRH Damian Onwuamaeze Ezeani, the Igwe of Neni Community. At first we thought there were some untruths in the story until its confirmation.

    “This came, coupled with the arrest and illegal detention of the acclaimed Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, Godwin Kanu Idei, for impersonation even though Idei had been rightfully crowned as the Eze Aro by the traditional ruler of Ibom Isii, Eze Nwa Kanu.

    “It is indeed sad and is deserving of full condemnation such an aberrational affront against Igbo traditional institutions, which we should cherish and nurture, rather than drag in the mud.

    “What is Igwe Neni’s offence? That he conferred a title on a senator of APC extraction? Is he the first to have done so? Or is it merely politics, otherwise can we not see this as a move to make the prestigious crowns and stools in Anambra State as an appendage of the APGA-led administration? 

    “What are the offences of the Eze Ibom Isii or Eze Idei that the Abia State Government under Alex Otti has to suspend the former and arrest the latter when they were just carrying out their duties as custodians of our tradition?

    “It is obvious that Otti is trying to impose the other person, Pastor Eberechukwu Oji, who is unpopular with Ndi Arochukwu, on the people.

    “We thus call on the Igbo all over the world, and the leadership of the pan Igbo organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other Igbo groups, likewise well- meaning Nigerians to call the administrations of Chukwuma Soludo and Alex Otti to order. 

    “Will a Yoruba governor treat a first- class traditional ruler in such a manner or a Fulani leader? 

    “The Eze Aro remains about the oldest traditional stool in Igbo land. It is highly revered and should not be desecrated by the governor in his political mix-up. 

    “The Aro kingdom far predates the coming of the white man and colonial era. It’s not an autonomous community, created by any government.”

  • I will leave no economic sector untouched under my watch, says Otti

    I will leave no economic sector untouched under my watch, says Otti

    Abia state governor, Alex Otti has assured that his administration would drive development across all the sectors of the state’s economy.

    Otti, who was speaking at an interactive meeting held at the Banquet hall, Government House Umuahia, the state capital, with enlarged Abians in diaspora assured that the present administration would be committed to the overall development of the state.

    Otti disclosed that his government would be leveraging technology to drive development in the state.

    The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, revealed that his administration upon assumption of office, declared a state of emergency on critical sectors including health, education, security, infrastructure and waste management.

    He expressed joy that today Abia has become a reference point in the area of excellence. “Having been around for seven months the records, the facts, the data are all available for everyone to see.

    “Today, Abia state is no longer seen as that God forsaken State but Abia State has become a reference point in the area of excellence.”

    Otti, while announcing the recent ranking of the state as the third in attracting foreign direct investment after the FCT and Lagos state respectively, informed the audience that now was the best time to invest in the state.

    “The report that just emerged this week shows that Abia State was ranked number three in terms of attracting foreign direct investment, coming third only after FCT and Lagos state.

    “And you should now know that within seven months glorious things have already being spoken concerning Abia, because God is set to do a new thing in Abia.”

    He said the government was doing everything within its powers to make the state a safe haven and conducive for investors.

    He further appreciated the Diasporans for responding to the meeting even at a short notice, describing it as an indication of their passion and love for the State as well as what God is using him to do across the Abia.

    Read Also: Military neutralises 43 terrorists, arrests 115

    In their remarks, the Commissioner for Works, Mr Otumchere Oti, Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, Commissioner, Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Blessing Felix and their Digital Economy and SME counterpart, Dr Mathew Ekwuruibe while presenting their sectoral reports, said that the present administration has come to change the negative narratives and assured Abians of more socio economic developments that will have direct impact on the citizens.

    In their various contributions, some of the Abians in diaspora including, Chief Martins Iroegbu, Mr Murphy Emelike, Chief Lady Tender Ikechukwu, Prince Pascal Atuma among others, commended Governor Otti for his achievements so far and for coming up with the idea of interacting with Abians in diaspora.

    This is just as they assured Governor Otti of their willingness to partner with the Abia State government in various sectors of the economy, including capacity building, healthcare and sports development.

    They however, appealed to the governor to harmonise as well as consolidate relationships with members of the diaspora community through the Diaspora Commission.

    The meeting, which featured question and answer sessions, attracted members of the State Executive Council including the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Office of the Governor, Mr Chinedu Ekeke, aides to the governor among other top government officials.

  • I will leave no economic sector unturned under my watch, says Otti 

    I will leave no economic sector unturned under my watch, says Otti 

    Abia state governor, Alex Otti has assured that his administration would drive development across all the sectors of the state’s economy.

    Otti, who was speaking at an interactive meeting held at the Banquet hall, Government House Umuahia, the state capital, with enlarged Abians in diaspora assured that the present administration would be committed to the overall development of the state.

    Otti discosed that his government would be leveraging on technology to drive development in 

    the state.

    The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, revealed that his administration upon assumption of office, declared a state of emergency on critical sectors including health, education, security, infrastructure and waste management. 

    He expressed joy that today, Abia has become a reference point in the area of excellence.

    “Having been around for seven months the records , the facts the data are all available for everyone to see.

    “Today, Abia state is no longer seen as that God forsaken State but Abia State has become a reference point in the area of exellence.”

    Otti, while announcing the recent ranking of the state as the third in attracting direct foreign investments after the FCT and Lagos state respectively, informed te audience that now was the best time to invest in the state.

    Read Also: We will not relent investing in education, says Otti 

    “The report that just emerged this week shows that Abia State was ranked number three in terms of attracting direct foreign investment, coming third only after FCT and Lagos state. 

    “And you should now know that within seven months glorious things have already being spoken concerning Abia, because God is set to do a new thing in Abia.”

    He said the government was doing everything within its powers to make the state a safe haven and conducive for investors.

    He also noted that the essence of the meeting was to enable government interface with Abians in diaspora, cross- fertilize ideas and opinions that will help move the state forward.

    “This is one administration that is very passionate about at attracting the best hands and the best brains everywhere. 

    “And we do know that we cannot as a government serve our people satisfactorily without engaging the people who have been in the forefront of bringing about this new vista of hope in Abia state. 

    “And you are the one. So this opportunity created by this meeting is to enable us interface with you directly, be able to harvest your ideas, your opinions and even critical comments in a way that would move this state forward.”

    He further appreciated the Diasporans for responding to the meeting even at a short notice, describing it as an indication of their passion and love for the State as well as what God is using him to do across the Abia.

    In their remarks, the Commissioner for Works, Mr Otumchere Oti, Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, Commissioner, Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Blessing Felix and their Digital Economy and SME counterpart, Dr Mathew Ekwuruibe while presenting their sectorial reports, said that the present administration has come to change the negative narratives and assured Abians of more socio economic developments that will have direct impact on the citizens.

    In their various contributions, some of the diasporeans including, Chief Martins Iroegbu, Mr Murphy Emelike, Chief Lady Tender Ikechukwu, Prince Pascal Atuma among others commended Governor Alex Otti for his achievements so far and for coming up with the idea of interacting with Abians in diaspora.

    They assured Gov. Otti of their willingness to partner Abia State government in various sectors of the economy, including capacity building, healthcare, sports development. 

    They however, appealed to the Governor to harmonize andStaff consolidate relationship with the diasporeans through the Diaspora Commission.

    The meeting which featured question and answer sessions, attracted the presence of the members of State Executive Council, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Office of the Governor, Mr Chinedu Ekeke, aides to the Governor and among other top government officials.

  • We will not relent investing in education, says Otti 

    We will not relent investing in education, says Otti 

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti has assured the citizens that his administration would not relent in its resolve to make quality education one of the cornerstones of his government.

    He said this during the 2023 CROMARIA Care Foundation (CFF) Annual Disbursements, under the CROMARIA Empowerment for Africa, held at Umunna Nsulu Autonomous Community in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government.

    Represented by his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, the governor said: “Quality education remains the cornerstone of the vision for a prosperous Abia State. It is instructive to know that this is one of the highlights of today’s occasion – the scholarship given to the students.”

    Read Also; Nollywood veteran Olofa Ina dies 

    Speaking further the governor’s wife said: “The governor also believes in the power of collaboration and recognises the invaluable contributions of organisations such as CROMARIA Care Foundation to the well-being of our people.” 

    Otti hailed the Chairman and Executive Director of CROMARIA Care Foundation, Dr. & Mrs Obioma R. Orji, for their humanitarian activities and declared his support for the foundation.

    Highlights of the event included the award of N100,000 scholarships to 10 students from the community, inauguration of the upgraded and renovated two blocks of 10 classrooms at Nsulu Secondary School by the governor; sharing of 1,600 bags of fertiliser to the seven villages that make up the community and sharing of foodstuff to widows in the community.    

  • 2024 budget to unlock Abia’s potential, says Otti 

    2024 budget to unlock Abia’s potential, says Otti 

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti says 2024 budget will unlock the great potential that abound in the state and enable her to rise to greater heights. 

    He spoke during a reception held in his honour by the people of Aba South, at the School of Health Science and Technology, Aba.

    Dr. Otti said the budget, which has been passed into law by the House of Assembly, will take the state “out of the deep hole that it found itself and release it so that it can fly.” 

    He hailed the leadership of the House, chaired by Emmanuel Emeruwa, the speaker, and every member of the Assembly for considering the budget. 

    He described the speaker, who represents Aba South State Constituency, as a gift to the state and expressed confidence in his leadership. 

    “I will like to thank Aba South for the gift of Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa. He is a rare gift to this state and this nation. I may not have known him for donkey years, but anybody you see and you are observant, even before the person does anything, you will know the type of someone that person is.

    “The House of Assembly has a responsibility to elect its leadership. Ours is to support. I had no problem supporting Emmanuel Emeruwa, and just like he has said, he has done very well and he will continue to do well,” Otti said.

    Read Also; Stemming gender-based violence in FBOs

    He thanked Aba residents for their support right from the beginning of his quest to lead Abia State in 2015, and restated his commitment to rebuild Aba, which he described as the “production, industrial and commercial hub of Abia State; maybe of the Southeast; maybe of Southern Nigeria.” 

    The governor, however, frowned at the attitude of the residents to waste disposal, warning that it would no longer be business as usual from January 2024.

    “We may have done things wrong in the past, but we cannot continue to live in the past. This is why we are redefining the future.

    “Whatever it takes, we are going to ensure this city is sparkling clean. 

     “So, I want to put all of us on notice that it may be difficult if you want to liter because we are not going to tolerate it. 

    “So, the change that you want to see has to begin with you,” he said. 

    Otti said more of the newly reconstructed roads in Aba by his administration would be inaugurated in January 2024. 

    He said work would begin by January on some of the very difficult but important roads in Aba, such as Obohia and Ohanku roads. 

    “We are going to use solid pavement (cement) technology,” he said as the crowd at the venue of the reception burst into applause and solidarity songs.

    He reassured the citizens of his determination to use the resources of the state to work for her and vowed never to share the state’s money to individuals.

     “If you have keyed into the vision of the government of the state; if what is important to you is the development of the state; if what is important to you is the welfare of the people; if what concerns you is that people finish working and they get their salary promptly before the month ends; if you are concerned about the payment of salary arrears; if you are concerned about treating our traditional rulers respectfully and giving them what is due to them; if what you are interested in is revamping our hospitals and ensuring that our schools are citadels of learning; if what you are interested in is that the roads are built and the money of the state is used judiciously, then you will not have problem with us.

    “But I can assure you that you will have problem with us if you want us to start sharing money because I don’t have money to share. People’s money must be used to work for the people,” he said. 

    The governor, after the event, headed for Ngwa Road in Aba, where he inaugurated the automated solar-powered street lights recently installed on the over 3km road, turning on the lights one after the other as he walked. 

    He led the speaker, mayors of Aba North and South, Ide John Udeagbala and Chief Uchechukwu Wogu, some House of Assembly members, the Chief of Staff, Dr. Caleb Ajagba and many senior officials of the state government on the energy-sapping brisk walk, which lasted over 30 minutes, to inaugurate the lights.