Tag: Otti

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has dismissed speculations that he is planning to defect from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or join any emerging political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during a recent engagement, Otti reaffirmed his loyalty to the Labour Party, stating that the Supreme Court had already resolved the internal crisis that once threatened the party’s unity.

“I’ll just spend a few minutes addressing what some members of the Global Economic Council have been asking me,” Otti said. “One of them is the report about five governors decamping to the APC… I’m still a member of the Labour Party and I’m not looking for where to decamp to.”

Responding to questions about a potential alliance with the new opposition coalition, the governor said: “People have been asking me, ‘Are you a member of the coalition?’ And my response is, have you seen my name? Have you seen me attending any coalition meeting?”

Governor Otti emphasised that he remains focused on delivering good governance in Abia under the platform of the Labour Party.

‎“We are just busy doing the work that Abia people have given us. So, we are not attending any coalition meeting, I have not attended any one, and nobody has invited me.

Read Also: Gov Otti swear in Edo-born Ojeikere as Abia’s Head of Service

‎“I am happy where I am. Yes, we had issues; if you don’t have issues, you are dead… So, you wake up and there is one problem or the other, you solve the problem. You don’t run away from a problem and pretend to have solved it.

‎“When we had our problems, we fought in the Supreme Court and took our party to the Supreme Court. I believe that a few issues that remain would be resolved very soon because the Supreme Court Judgment was very, very clear,” Governor Otti assured.  

The State Chief Executive disclosed that his administration came to do things right, stressing that those who don’t want to do things right have no business in his Government.

He warned those making noise about stomach infrastructure that Abians are not people who believe in handouts but hard-working people who just need the enabling environment, like good roads, clean environment, etc, to thrive in their businesses and daily endeavours. 

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has charged the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed in the state to be creative, innovative, and proactive in identifying solutions to societal challenges.

Otti gave the charge on Friday at the opening ceremony for the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream II corps members, at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Umunna in Bende LGA.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Mr Ikechukwu Emetu, said that his administration would provide the requisite enablement for the corps members to effectively discharge their mandate.

He said that the government would work closely with the NYSC management to ensure that their service year was productive and fulfilling.

“We consider you critical partners in our national transformation efforts, driven by our social compact contract with the people of Abia as encapsulated in the New Abia project blueprint.

“Our blueprint focuses on institutional and structural reforms, sustained economic growth and development.

“We will vigorously pursue the rebuilding, maintenance, upgrade and expansion of our critical infrastructure, including the ongoing rehabilitation of your orientation camp,” he said.

Read Also: We don’t know how Otti is getting money to fund projects- APGA Reps member

In a speech, the State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Gladys Adama, said that the orientation course programme was designed to equip the corps members adequately for the task of nation-building and challenges that lie ahead of them during the service year.

Adama promised the scheme’s commitment to the development of the state through the posting of corps members to various communities across the state.

She expressed gratitude to the governor for the ongoing rehabilitation of the orientation camp and providing the needed enabling environment for corps members to thrive in the state.

“However, I wish to appeal to the  NYSC-loving governor that the NYSC state Secretariat in Umuahia is in a very bad state of dilapidation,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state Chief Judge, Justice Lilian Abai, represented by  Justice C. E. Anyim, administered the Oath of Allegiance on the corps members.

(NAN)

Abia State Governor Alex Otti yesterday took on those talking about the next general elections two years into 2027.

“People, in 2025 are talking of 2027… you can’t even talk about 2027 because there is no guarantee that you would go beyond 2025,” the governor.

He spoke while hosting his predecessors, Abia North Senator Orji Uzor Kalu at his Nvosi country home in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

“Who are you to begin to talk about 2027?” Otti asked, questioned as he imagined the audacity of those talking about 2027, trying to play God.

He said: “Today is certain; tomorrow is a promise. Next tomorrow is gambling. Let us talk about today; when tomorrow comes, and we are lucky to be part of it, we can hold the discussion.

“Nobody is competent to talk about tomorrow except he or she wants to play God.”

Otti thanked the former governor for the legacy he left behind in the state, saying that there was no need to dwell on how things went wrong in the past.

Noting that his administration took off without looking back, the governor said he has been using his time to work for the people and not to fight anybody.

“Government and governance is a continuum, it can be broken but you must go back and recover it,” Otti explained, recalling how his late mother was a strong supporter of Kalu for the good works he did in road construction when he was governor, especially in Aba, adding that it is still the same template he is using.

“I can assure you, that template is not wrong. You fix the place that generates the revenue, the revenue will come and you use it to fix other places,” he explained.

The governor recounted how an Aba-based man donated N200 million to support the state government because of the roads his administration was constructing and reconstructing in Aba.

Read Also: Otti  woos investors for proposed  Abia Stadium City

He said that he never believed that Udeagbala Road, one of the roads reconstructed could be fixed, adding that even at night, businesses are going on in Aba, unlike before.

He said: “There is no sleep in Aba now. People don’t go to bed. So, when I was talking about the velocity of money during my campaign, people thought it was a joke.

“Once people are awake, money is changing hands. And, any time money changes hands, people make money. That’s how the economy works, it’s not rocket science.”

The governor also stated that he has directed the commissioner for Works to devise a plan to light up Umuahia to Ohafia, stressing that he does not want the state’s economy to go to sleep by 6pm on that axis.

He said: “So, we want the people there to be awake, we don’t want the economy to go to sleep by 6pm.

“We want the economy to operate like Lagos and Abuja where people hardly sleep. And, whenever they want to go to bed, they hand over to somebody else.”

Senator Kalu described Otti as his friend who he cannot play politics with, said he “flew” (rode) from Igbere to the Governor’s residence with ease, describing how smooth the road is from Igbere to Umuahia, which has now reduced the journey of three hours when the road was bad to less than an hour because Governor Otti has fixed the road connecting Umuahia, Bende and Ohafia local government areas , abandoned to dilapidation for over 16 years after he (Orji Kalu) left office.

Amid rising endorsements and growing calls for him to seek a second term in 2027, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, says he will consult with God before making any decision regarding his political future.

Governor Otti made this known over the weekend at Sam Ihesiulor Stadium in Okpuala Ngwa during a grand civic reception and appreciation ceremony organised by the ‘Oha Isiala Ngwa People’ from Isiala Ngwa North and South local government areas.

The event was held in recognition of the governor’s performance, particularly the projects initiated in the two local councils.

While expressing gratitude for the show of support, Otti said his focus remains on delivering good governance and completing his current mandate.

“Just like 2023 was in the hands of God, 2027 will also be in the hands of God,” he said. “So, while I thank you for this endorsement, because I see it as an endorsement of what has been achieved so far, I also thank you for making predictions. I would only say that I would go back and consult with my God. And as time goes on, my response will be made public.”

Governor Otti also spoke on the rationale behind his administration’s focus on infrastructural development in Aba, the commercial hub of the state. According to him, revitalising Aba is a strategic move aimed at boosting internally generated revenue, which will in turn fund development projects across other parts of Abia.

He reiterated his commitment to balanced and impactful governance, assuring citizens that every part of the state will benefit from his administration’s development agenda.

“Our concentration on Aba is because we do know that Aba has the capacity to generate revenue for us to develop other parts of the State.

“Aba occupies a prime place in our strategy, because that is our major commercial hub. Not just for Abia, but the South East and South-South,” Gov. Otti stated.

The governor, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving inclusive governance, said that his government was working simultaneously in all parts of the State.

He announced that December is the deadline for the completion of the Mgboko–Ntigha road project.

The State Chief Executive used the opportunity to clarify that the location of Abia Airport in Nsulu was purely on technical merit and not political considerations, and disclosed that all affected landowners have been fully compensated.

He also described the Abia Airport project as an ambitious undertaking, which he said was more than just an aviation facility, but a full-fledged development hub aimed at providing long-term economic benefits to the people.

“We are not just building an Airport; we are building an Airport city. A three or four-star hotel is going to be there, and even the Nigerian Air Force is going to have a base there. There are going to be markets and shopping plazas within the facility.

“We have paid 100% compensation to everybody whose land was affected. If there’s anyone who has not been paid, it is not our fault.

Read Also: WAEC: Katsina Govt. seeks cancellation of English language paper

“Maybe, they provided the wrong account number, or there are three or four people struggling for the same space”, Gov Otti clarified.

The Governor used the occasion to welcome stakeholders from other political parties, including former members of the PDP and Accord Party, as well as members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers who declared for the Labour Party during the event, and announced plans to transform the Sam Ihesiulo Stadium Okpuala Ngwa to a standard stadium and directed the Honourable Commissioner for Works and the Youth & Sports counterpart to commence the process.

He thanked the people of Isiala Ngwa for their support of his administration and promised to continue running an inclusive and people-focused government to bring development to Abia State.

In their remarks, the lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Okenze Chief Ginger Onwusibe, Senator Darlington Nwokocha and the member representing Isialangwa North State Constituency, Hon. Collins Iheonunekwu said that the Governor has done excellently well and urged him to seek re-election in 2027.

They commended the Governor for focusing on long-term development goals that prioritise infrastructure and human capital development, declaring that there is no vacancy in Government House, Umuahia, until 2031.

In their speeches, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Obinna Anaba and another son of the soil, Mr. Cyril Ishmael, commended the administration’s rapid strides in infrastructural development, social welfare, and economic reforms, saying that the Governor has proven that effective leadership is possible in Abia State.

They reaffirmed the people’s support for the Governor and expressed confidence in his continued delivery of democratic dividends in Abia State.

Contributing, the President of Ngwa National Association in USA and Canada, Dr. Ugochukwu Agu, expressed satisfaction with the Governor’s performance, particularly in the education sector.

He said that the Ngwa community abroad had launched support programmes to align with the administration’s developmental goals and had introduced scholarship schemes for students and undergraduates, and had launched a skills acquisition programme to up-skill the people.

The occasion was graced by son and daughters of Isiala Ngwa North and South from all works of life, including the political class, academia, captains of Industries, elder statesmen, appointees of the Governor, Ndi Eze and a crowd of ordinary men and women capable of causing political tsunami in favour of the performing Governor in 2027.

Abia State Governor Alex Otti last night reacted to his suspension from the Labour Party (LP) by the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC).

The Abure-led party yesterday announced the suspension of Dr. Otti, Senator Ireti Kingibe; Senator Darlington Nwokocha; House of Representatives members Victor Afam Ogene; Amobi Ogah and Seyi Sowunmi.

Their suspension was announced by the National Secretary of the Abure-led NWC, Umar Farouk Ibrahim.

But in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Ferdinand Ekeoma, the governor described the purported suspension by Abure, who he described as the party’s former national chairman as a ruse.

The statement titled: “Alleged suspension of Governor Alex Otti: Abure is a clown in desperate search of a crown” reads: “The attention of the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has been drawn to the news of his purported suspension alongside other eminent leaders of the Labour Party from the party by the former National Chairman, Julius Abure.

“The statement by Abure and his gang of comedians is not only a joke taken too far, but an affront on democracy by a group of inconsequential irritants who are desperate to use Governor Otti’s name to advance their self-serving economic agenda.

“For the records, the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has rightly and unambiguously stated that Julius Abure is no longer the National Chairman of Labour Party.

“The judgment which is in agreement with the Constitution of LP and formed the basis for the setting up of the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee stripped Abure of every authority to parade himself as the National Chairman of the Labour Party.

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

“Just few hours after being summoned by a Committee set up by the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee to come and respond to allegations of gross misconduct bordering on financial misappropriation, impersonation and anti-party activities levelled against him, Abure decided to be smart by half by rushing to the press to announce the purported suspension of Governor Otti and other eminent members of the party.

“We enjoin Nigerians to disregard Abure’s laughable statement and continue to see him and his co-conspirators as a group of clowns in desperate search of a crown they do not deserve.

“Finally, we call on the Inspector General of Police to quickly arrest Mr. Abure for impersonation, while INEC should ensure full implementation of the Supreme Court judgment as a way of preserving the integrity of the Supreme Court and protecting our democracy”.

Abia state governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has said his administration’s heavy investment in education is aimed at ensuring that schools, especially tertiary institutions, produce graduates who are not only relevant to society’s evolving needs but also capable of driving the global economy.

Speaking at the 31st matriculation ceremony of the state-owned Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, Governor Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to revitalizing the education sector through policies focused on strengthening infrastructure, improving teaching and learning experiences, and promoting research and innovation.

Otti, who serves as the Visitor to the institution, commended the management and staff of the polytechnic for their dedication to mentoring students, stressing that their role in nurturing future leaders is invaluable.

Read Also: Abia to recruit 4,000 more teachers amid surge in public school enrollment — Otti

He pledged continued support for the institution in achieving its goals and urged the new students to pursue knowledge, skills, and values beyond just earning certificates, emphasising that such qualities would shape their future success.

“I urge you to take your studies seriously, remain disciplined and uphold the core values of integrity, diligence and excellence. The choice that you make today, will define the trajectory of tour future, and I encourage you to be focused, innovative and purpose driven.

In his speech, the rector of the polytechnic, Engr. Christopher K. Okoro, informed the audience that the governor has fulfilled all the promises and more he promised the polytechnic during their 30 matriculation.

Engr. Okoro who stated that the polytechnic has assumed its rightful place as the beacon of excellence in the provision of qualitative technological education in Nigeria, stated that the institution now boaats of classrooms, laboratories, workshops that are best in the country.

Recalling the state of the institution when he assumed office one year ago, the rector said under his administration, the institution has received far-ranging facelift, thanking governor Otti for giving him and members of the management the opportunity to deploy their wealth of knowledge to serve the state and rhe Polytechnic community in particular.

“Today, we have an institution we are all proud of. In that same vein, our staff, teaching and non-teaching whose welfare have been prioritised by our governor in an unprecedented manner, are now as super-motivated and super-commited as ever to deliver on their duties.

“We have also rapidly enhanced our curriculum to provide old and new students with more balanced training within the core mandate of polytechnic education in Nigeria and beyond.

“For instance, we now have additional courses, at the general and specific levels in Career Planning, Skills Development, Digital Creativity, Artificial Intelligence, among others which are intended to give our students an edge in an increasingly competitive market, especially in an era when the global economy leans heavily on practical skills.”