…Reveals why he chose to keep mum over Kalu’s statement on 2027
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti says he has no plan to retrench workers in the state civil service.
Governor Otti stated this while responding to questions at the September edition of Governor Otti Speaks to Abians, a monthly media engagement of the governor and the people held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Umuahia, the state capital.
According to the governor, contrary to speculations that the state government had already concluded plans to retrench workers in the state public service, he has not thought about the alleged looming workers retrenchment.
“There is no massive retrenchment in the pipe line. We will continue to ensure that the civil service is enhanced and productivity increased.”
Otti, who noted that he is occupied with plans to defray arrears of salaries owed workers of some institutions in the state, said, “The debts were inherited and I will pay them. In a few days, those payments will happen.”
On the plight and agitation of workers that were disengaged from the state civil service by the Senator Theodore Ahamefule-led government, Otti berated such action, as according to him, no one should be disengaged from the state civil service because of where he or she comes from.
Otti who described his administration as one that doesn’t discriminate maintained that anyone who lives and pays his or her tax in Abia state deserves to enjoy every right an Abian deserves, reason he said, his government gave opportunities for non-indigenes to head some strategic positions in the state as long as they merited it.
He went ahead to assure that he would look into the plight of the disengaged workers which he said he hopes to have a positive outcome.
On the controversy surrounding the extended stakeholders meeting of the Labour Party in the state that was boycotted by the embattled national chairman of the party, Julius Abure, Governor Alex Otti said contrary to the antics of Abure and among others, the meeting held in Umuahia on Wednesday was part of measures to restore peace in the party.
He added that anyone that followed what happened in the meeting that saw the appointment of former Finance Minister, Nnenadi Usman and Darlington Nwokocha to head a 29-member interim committee, would notice that people are happy over the outcome of the meeting.
“I believe that what we did was in the interest of the party. We have a vested interest in ensuring that the party will continue to operate as a political party in Nigeria,” Otti stated.
He also reacted to his decision not to speak on the recent statement by the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu on the issue of he (Gov. Otti) going to be the last LP Governor in Abia.
“I chose not to respond to it because it’s foolhardy to talk about what will happen tomorrow. Power belongs to God and He gives it to who He wills.”
The State chief executive revealed that another boost was given to healthcare in Amachara general hospital by opening an eye clinic where 600 patients had their eyes checked on the official opening day.
He also disclosed that the government has started the phase 2 of upgrading ABSUTH for optimal service delivery while 200 primary healthcare centres in the state have been earmarked for retrofitting, a project he said would take place within 100 days.
The governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti has issued a 90-day ultimatum to property owners in Aba, the commercial nerve of the state and its environs to regularise the registration of their properties.
Otti said that the mandatory regularisation exercise was part of his administration’s resolve to develop a master plan for Aba and its environs.
Otti, who spoke to journalists in Aba, listed Aba North, Aba South, Osisioma, Obingwa and Ugwunagbo local government areas of the state as areas that would be covered by the planned master plan project.
He said that the designing of a master plan for Aba and among other nearby local government areas of the state has become long overdue, lamenting that many property owners erected their building without government’s approval.
Otti, represented by Uche Ukaeje, the Director General of Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), said that the exercise would help the state to take stock of properties in the city and enable her to plan well.
Ukeje revealed that the exercise is basically about collection of data and not for internally generated revenue drives.
He said, “In the modern world it is difficult to plan without data. If you want to site schools, hospitals, markets and social centres the first question they will ask you is what is your market and who are the people you want to serve.
“As it stands today we don’t have the answer because most of the things happened outside the system.
“We don’t have information of the number of houses we have and number of people we are serving, so if want to build hospitals we cannot say that this part of Aba requires more than the other part of Aba, that information does not exist, so what we are doing basically is to provide the government with information we need to serve the people better.
“Ordinarily when residents built houses without approval, there are penalties that should be paid when we want to regularise, but the governor in his wisdom and magnanimity has done Christmas early for the city of Aba.
“He is offering a 90 days moratorium to the city of Aba for people to come and get approval for any kind of building they have done without approval.”
Speaking of the fees to be charged for registration of a building, Ukaje explained that the local governments involved were divided into sections, adding the cost of registration will depend on the value of a property in a particular section of the town.
Exactly one month after the Elegant Stallion and legendary lady of songs, Onyeka Onwenu slumped and pronounced dead at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, her remains were interred with only few close-knit family members, friends and associates in attendance.
Onyeka breathed her last on July 30, 2024 after a performance at the 80th birthday party of Stella Okoli, the founder of Emzor pharmaceutical founders, and was buried on August 30, 2024.
According to her two sons, Tijani and Ibrahim, this was in accordance with her wish, which was published in a 2021 interview.
Though the date of her burial was not made public, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti and ex-presidential aspirant Peter Obi, were some of the individuals that paid their last respect to the beautiful Onwenu, who died at the age of 72.
The remains of late Onyeka began the journey home with a private song of service at the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, after which a private funeral service was held at the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, amidst tight security.
The remains of the Elegant Stallion was finally interred, according to her wish, at Ebony vault, Ikoyi Lagos in mid day, Friday, August 30, 2024.
Conspicuous at the vault aside her two sons, Tijani and Ibrahim, were the politicians, who are also close family associates of the deceased. Also was T Mac, a renowned flutist and close associate of the deceased.
In a fitting tribute to her roots, the celebrated songbird was laid to rest in a white coffin carried by undertakers dressed in traditional Igbo attire, the Isiagu, symbolizing her deep connection to her cultural heritage.
The pall bearers came out exceptionally as the close-knit celebration was held amidst very tight security. Family members, close associates and relatives were also present at the private ceremony.
The solemn occasion drew the presence of other personalities, who attended the private event.
Onyeka Onwenu, who passed away at the age of 72, was known for her powerful voice and profound impact on the Nigerian music scene. Her influence extended beyond music, as she was also a respected actress, politician, and human rights advocate.
The late Onyeka was born on January 31, 1952, in Imo State, Nigeria. She gained fame for her powerful voice and impactful lyrics. In addition to her successful music career, she was also a broadcaster politician, and activist, earning, earningher the nickname Elegant Stallion for her grace and commitment to social issues.
After her death, a number of her colleagues opened up on their relationship with her. From Fidelis Duker to Charly Boy, Daddy Showket, Femi Kuti and Adewale Ayuba, the celebs have given their tributes about the singer by sharing how they met.
Onyeka exuded sense of dignity and poise – Fidelis Duker
Onyeka Onwenu, known as the Elegant Stallion, was a true icon in the Nigerian entertainment industry. I had the privilege of meeting her back in 1993 during my time as a floor manager for the NTA-produced show “WHO’S ON.” Onyeka’s presence exuded majesty and grace, leaving a lasting impression on all those around her.
I vividly remember the excitement that filled the studio whenever Onyeka arrived for the live show. As the host, she brought an unparalleled level of professionalism and attention to detail, setting high standards for the entire crew. Her dedication to her craft was evident in every aspect of the production, reflecting her background as a trained television producer and reporter.
During the show’s run, Onyeka’s influence extended beyond her on-screen presence. She fostered an atmosphere of discipline and sophistication, earning the respect of all those who worked with her. Despite her demanding nature, it was clear that Onyeka’s commitment to excellence stemmed from a deep respect for her craft and herself.
One particular memory that stands out is the meticulous care taken by the crew to ensure everything was in perfect order before Onyeka’s appearance. From the makeup to wardrobe, every detail was meticulously attended to, mirroring Onyeka’s own standards of perfection.
Beyond her professional abilities, Onyeka also carried herself with a sense of dignity and poise that left a lasting impression. Despite her fame and influence, she remained humble and approachable, earning the endearing nickname “Aunty Onyeka” from the crew.
I cherish the memories of the few encounters I had with Onyeka Onwenu on that set. I recall a particular evening when she shared wise words with me about the importance of focus in whatever endeavor one undertakes.
Our paths didn’t cross again until 2012, when we found ourselves serving on the same presidential committee for the creative industry established by President Goodluck Jonathan. I had the privilege of being part of the sub-committee that Onyeka chaired, giving me a unique opportunity to witness a different side of her. Her mature and administrative leadership style was truly remarkable, leaving a lasting impression on me.
After our committee work, our paths diverged once more until the release of her book, “My Father’s Daughter.” I made sure to get a copy and immerse myself in her remarkable story and wisdom.
Onyeka Onwenu’s excellence extended beyond her work on set and in committees. Her portrayal of various characters in movies showcased her as an epitome of glamour, grace, and beauty on screen. Her acting prowess was unparalleled, earning her numerous accolades, including the prestigious continental Best Actress award at the AMAA awards.
Onyeka’s impact on the entertainment industry went far beyond her role as a show host, . Her legacy as the Elegant Stallion continues to inspire generations of artists and professionals in Nigeria and beyond. It was an honor to witness her talent and presence firsthand, and her influence will forever be remembered in the hearts of those who had the privilege of working with her.
Waking up at 4 am today to the heartbreaking news of her passing after a performance at an event the night before shook me to the core. It was a shock to learn that the Elegant Stallion had taken her last bow, possibly doing what she loved most – singing and dancing. It seemed fitting that her final moments were filled with joy and passion, as evidenced by the videos of her energetic performance.
To her children, Tijanni and Abraham, I offer my deepest condolences. Your mother was a true legend who lived a life of purpose and impact. She came, she saw, and she conquered hearts with her talent and grace. May her soul rest in peace, and may her legacy continue to inspire generations to come. Amen.
She left the world in glory – Adewale Ayuba
In a recent interview, Fuji singer Adewale Ayuba said Onwenu’s immense contributions to the growth of the entertainment industry would always be revered.
“I celebrate the life of our beloved Onyeka Onwenu. Though she may have been taken from us too soon, her spirit, good works will forever live on in the memories we cherish and the love we shared.
“Many would have ample and lofty things to write about her efforts on Nigeria entertainment industry growth. Onyeka has left this world in glory. May her soul rest in peace,” he said.
Igbo Nation lost an iconic figure in Onyeka – Charly Boy
In his tribute to his friend of many years, Nigerian singer and activist, Charly Boy, said the iconic singer cum actress’ death is a great loss to the Igbo nation.
In his words: “The Igbo nation mourns the loss of this iconic figure, whose impact transcended the entertainment industry.
“Onwenu’s death follows the recent passing of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, marking a period of profound loss for the Southeast region of Nigeria.
“Onwenu’s legacy as a cherished talent and tireless advocate will continue to inspire future generations. Oh! My sister, Rest In Peace.”
Her beautiful voice will live forever – Femi Kuti
Afrobeat star Femi Kuti has expressed shock at the death of Onyeka Onwenu.
The 62-year-old ‘Sorry Sorry’ star said, “Shocked, waking up to very sad news of the passing of Mrs Onyeka Onwenu. Rest in peace Ma, your beautiful voice will live forever. Condolences to her family and loved ones.”
‘No lavish burial for me’
In 2021, Onyeka Onwenu revealed her wishes for how she would like to be remembered and buried.
The iconic artiste, known for her powerful voice and activism, said this in an opinion piece published on Premium Times.
She said, in clear terms, “Do it quickly, quietly and privately.”
She went further to urge her loved ones to mourn but not excessively nor waste funds on a superlative burial.
“Mourn, yes but not excessively. Celebrate me with prayers, lunch or dinner afterwards. Share some jokes about me and laugh. “Make merriment and then go about your business. If my friends want to celebrate me, they should do so while I am alive, so that I can enjoy it with them, not when I am gone and have no idea about this. That is me, Onyeka Onwenu,” she said.
Continuing, she said, “I am very uncomfortable with the lavish display of wealth on any occasion, especially in a time of hardship and lack for most others,” she remarked, calling for more modest and meaningful ways to honour the deceased.
Onyeka was brave, brilliant, beautiful – Azuka Jebose
It’s been three days since your last dance at sunset. I am trying not to be sad, but to understand that everybody has a day when the sun stays away.
I woke up to a brand new day, hoping that what we were told about your sudden death the previous night, was just a journey on a wild side of today’s social media mundane imaginations. But truly, you are eternally dancing in the sun (set) of your remarkable life.
I woke up at midnight and sleep refused my eyes. I stayed awake, remembering our so-called “tumultuous relationships” throughout our careers in the 1980s. I was a young bohemian entertainment reporter with THE PUNCH. You were a charming songstress that blew our minds with your beauty, your rave and talents as an electrifying singer, an engaging story teller- broadcaster and a great actress.
Both of us were stubborn, single young career focused people. We came to impact our world. You wanted me to write what you liked about you. I wanted to be just as objective as journalism ethics dictated.
Between our stubbornness, we felt deep admiration and appreciation for our creative minds. Thence we fought at every opportunity our presence privileged us. I remember your vexed stirs at me. I also remember my goofs, silliness and young arrogance. Your anger tickled me.
I was mischievous, unyielding, excited by the privilege to report, write and document the happenings in Nigeria’s complex entertainment business. We engaged each other whenever our paths crossed: you were famous and legendary. We both happened to our generation, simultaneously.
Onyeka, you were a decade and plus three years older. We had a similar disposition because we had pride from our foundations. We were brave, brilliant, beautiful and fearless.
Then came the years. As time began to tick fastest, we learned from each other that through those years, we truly adored each other’s creative brilliance and stubbornness. We felt at peace, as distanced friends, realizing that we were just responses to our moments in life.
Go well, my elegant stallion. We left our footprints on the sands and soils of our time! Thank you for the privilege to brand you so!
Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party and Governor Alex Otti of Abia State have announced stakeholders’ meeting of the party.
The Labour Party Extended stakeholders meeting is slated to hold on Wednesday, 4 September, at Banquet Hall, Government House Umuahia.
According to the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Alex Otti on Public Communication, Dodoh Okafor, the meeting is aimed at building a “stronger and better Labour Party“.
According to the meeting circular, the stakeholders for the meeting include the former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, Governor Alex Otti, former vice presidential candidate of the party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, Julius Aburi-led executives, Senators and House of Representatives members of the party among others.
It read: “3 representatives of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) who are members of the National Executive Council of the Party, 3 representatives of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) who are members of the National Executive Council of Labour Party, Vice Presidential candidate of the 2023 election.
“The Deputy Governor of Abia State, all serving and former Senators who are members of the party, all serving and former members of the House of Representatives who are members of the party, all serving members of Houses of Assembly of States, 5 members of the Abure-led National Working Committee viz: National Chairman, Deputy National Chairman, Secretary, Woman Leader and Youth Leader, Gubernatorial candidates of Edo and Ondo states,
“Former Gubernatorial candidates representing the 6 Geo-political zones as follows: Mr. Ken Pela (Delta State – South West), Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (Lagos State – South South), Hon. Chijioke Edeoga (Enugu State – South East), Mr. Jonathan Asake (Kaduna state – North West), Mr. Patrick Dakum (Plateau State – North Central), Mr. Keftin Amuga (Gombe State – North East).”
A fresh crisis over the control of the Labour Party (LP) may be brewing as the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee has asked the Governor of Abia State Alex Otti to stop interfering in the administration of the party.
During a press conference on Tuesday, the national chairman of the LP, Abure asked Governor Otti to focus on governance instead of struggling for the control of the party.
The LP national chairman’s anger stemmed from a recent meeting with Otti, where the Abia governor stated his intention to convene a National Executive Committee meeting on August 31 to dissolve the National Executive Council, State Executive Council, Local Government Executive Council, and Ward Executive Council.
The governor argued that the tenure of the party’s current leadership had expired long ago.
But Abure rejected the move, stating that it was not within the governor’s purview to make such decisions.
The NWC of the party in a meeting convened by Abure on Monday, countered the governor, insisting that there was no “vacuum in the leadership of our Party.”
The party questioned why Governor Otti, who was ably represented by his Deputy at the convention that took place in Nnewi, Anambra State on March 27, 2024, was still calling for the dissolution of the elected executives.
He said: “The National Working Committee also notes that assuming without conceding that the tenure of the current NWC has even expired, we must state clearly that it is not the responsibility of Dr. Alex Otti, as the governor of Abia State, to convene an NEC meeting to set up a caretaker committee. It is still the responsibility of the national chairman and the national secretary of the party to convene such a meeting.
“Secondly, it is the responsibility of INEC to officially communicate to the party in writing if it has objections to the conduct of the convention and indeed to inform the leadership that its tenure has expired. We want to appeal to our colleagues to concentrate on governance and allow us to handle party affairs.
“The Labour Party is different from other political parties in that it is not controlled by one man, woman, or leader; neither is it a party that can be dominated by one person. It is a party for the generality of the people. The party’s outlook made it possible for people like Dr. Alex Otti to use the platform and win in 2023 after attempting and failing in APC, PDP, and even APGA.”
Abure said that Otti’s argument was allegedly based on the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the tenures of the current NWC and other grassroots leaders had expired.
The LP chairman said that until the recent omission of the party from INEC discussions with political parties, there had been no rift with the commission.
“Therefore, for any person(s), group, or agency to speculate that the tenures of the current executives have expired is not only mischievous but a deliberate attempt to destabilise the party. Apart from the fact that a Federal High Court in Abuja has already validated the National Convention held on March 27, other persons have challenged the convention of the party.
“It is therefore established in our laws that once cases are pending in our courts, parties are to maintain the status quo to prevent further harm to the party. INEC is expected not to descend into the arena of conflict but to continue with its neutrality and work cordially with the recognised leadership of the party until the courts state otherwise,” he said.
Abure lamented that it was bad enough for the party to endure criticism and persecution from those seeking to tear it apart, without having to contend with its chieftains, members, and stakeholders following the same path.
The LP national chairman said the NWC of the party has established a disciplinary committee to henceforth sanction any erring members or bigwigs who make decisions that could undermine the party.
“Consequently, the national leadership states clearly, that it will not hesitate to discipline any member of the Party who is not ready to obey the Constitution of the Party and indeed, obey the lawful directive of the leadership of the Party,” Abure said.
The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed support for the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, in his call for Governor Alex Otti to rejoin the ruling party at the centre, saying that the Labour Party (LP) will be ousted in 2027.
The state Executive Council of the APC has also vowed to suspend Okey Ezeala for falsely representing himself as the party’s publicity secretary and issuing what the leadership described as an unauthorized statement on behalf of the party’s executive committee.
In a statement, Abia APC chairman Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu reaffirmed the party’s strong backing of Kalu and reiterated the call for Otti to return to the APC.
He described Ezeala as an inconsistent and unreliable character who engages in anti-party activities and unauthorised utterances.
Ononogbu disclosed that the state exco will be summoning Ezeala who purportedly apologised to the state governor on behalf of the party to explain when he became the spokesperson of Abia APC and who authorized him.
According to him, Ezeala’s role as the publicity secretary of the party ended the day he bought a form to contest for the position of the state House of Assembly in the 2023 election, adding that in line with the rules, he is supposed to relinquish his role.
While disclosing that the name of the publicity secretary of the party in the state would be announced soon, Ononogbu enjoined members of APC in Abia to remain calm as the state Executive Committee was handling the matter.
While charging the party members to be more united and firm in supporting the deputy speaker, he urged them to work hard to win more souls for the party and take over government in Abia, come 2027.
The statement read: “We came across a news report where one Okey Ezeala ‘apologised’ to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, claiming he was apologizing for the bold invitation extended by one of our party leaders, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, to the Abia Governor to join APC.
“Okey Ezeala’s apology is unauthorized, fake, unsolicited, hypocritical, and smacks of bitterness and disrespect for the person and office of the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Benjamin Kalu.
“Ezeala claimed he was apologizing on behalf of the APC. Lies! Numerous APC stalwarts have risen to align themselves with Hon. Benjamin Kalu in his invitation to Governor Otti.
“We therefore resolve to make it abundantly clear that we stand with our leader, Hon. Benjamin Kalu on this call and equally put our voice to calling on Governor Otti to return home.
“Ezeala claiming to be the publicity secretary of the party in the state when he’s not is an act of impersonation.
“He will be summoned by the party in the coming days to offer explanations on when he was appointed the party’s spokesperson.
“As we urge our party members to ensure membership of the party grows, we firmly stand with the call by the Deputy Speaker on Governor Otti.”
Rep. Ginger Onwusibe (LP-Abia) has defended the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu’s call for Gov. Alex Otti of Abia to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Onwusibe, the leader of the Labour Party caucus in the House, said this in his response to a statement credited to Rep. Obi Aguocha (LP-Abia) in Abuja on Tuesday.
Aguocha had said that Kalu’s open remarks against Otti and Abia were condescending and disrespectful to the governor.
In his response, Onwusibe said, “the Deputy Speaker did nothing wrong by marketing his party, asking Otti to join the APC.
“What is wrong with what Kalu said? If you listen carefully to what he said, he is only marketing his party and indirectly calling on Oti to come and take an APC ticket.
“In the video, he said Otti is his friend; they speak every day, and most importantly, he is performing; he didn’t denigrate the governor in this video unless you have another video,“he said.
The lawmaker said Aguocha would gain nothing by twisting the video to suit his purpose, adding that Kalu’s intention was misinterpreted.
According to him, he knew Kalu since 2021, and worked with him during his campaign to become the Deputy Speaker, and luckily he emerged.
He said that as the Deputy Speaker, he was bound to hold him in high regard as his leader in the House of Reps.
“If we investigate deeply, I may be the least that has benefited from Kalu among us, but that will not make me deny my friendship and loyalty to him.
“I am a Labour Party member who is loyal to my leader, the Governor, wherever he is, I will be, but for this video, Kalu has done what he needs to do for his party,“ he said.
He said some of his colleagues had gone and blackmailed him before the governor that he and Kalu would pair as Governor and Deputy in 2027.
The lawmaker said that such had never been discussed before, saying, “This is exactly how the PDP forced me out of the party with unfounded lies.”
He urged lawmakers not to heat up the polity and to treat Kalu’s statement as a mere commitment to his party’s victory in 2027.
A member of the House of Representatives from Abia State (LP, Abia), Hon. Obinna Aguocha, has accused deputy speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, of denigrating and disrespecting Abia state governor, Alex Otti.
Aguocha alleged that Kalu is attempting to create a rift between the governor and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, suggesting that the governor is at odds with the President and boasting about delivering Abia State to the APC in 2027.
In a letter addressed to Kalu, Aguocha, who represents the Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South Federal Constituency, also criticised Kalu for allegedly misusing his position as deputy speaker of the 10th House of Representatives to undermine and marginalise the people of Abia, while failing to promote inclusivity.
Aguocha’s comments follow a viral video in which Kalu purportedly stated that the APC would take over Abia State in 2027.
The letter dated 19th August 2024 and titled “Re-Ni vacancy in Abia state in 2027 reads: “My dearest Excellency and colleague, I hope you are well, and may God bless your continued quest for legislative excellence and national political relevance.
“If you noted, I made a comment on our Abia Caucus House of Representatives-only forum with respect to a recent trending video about your personal opinion and open declaration of Abia State becoming an APC state in 2027.
“My first inclination was that of shock, maybe that the video was an Artificial Intelligence [AI] generated skit. Alas, it was real. My dear colleague, your open vituperation and remarks against our Governor, Labour Party, and Abia State were very condescending, denigrating, and disrespectful in every sense of the word.
“Your personal opinion and partisanship aside. Your patently repeated boasting and referring to yourself as NO.6 in the order of leadership hierarchy of the Federal Government seen in the video clip portrays you less as a leader and more like a man with an open display of brazenness and rabid indiscretion. I would have advised you otherwise.
“My brother, we are distinguished colleagues with you representing the good people of Bende Federal Constituency. Whilst we elected you to be our Deputy Speaker, it does not confer on you the audacity to declare vacant the seat of the governor of Abia State in 2027.
“By your own striking admission that “Dr. Alex Otti is your friend, and that he has done very well, too, for our people, but that you, Hon. Ben Kalu owe your party, APC, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a duty to deliver Abia State, a Labour Party state to your party at the centre as payback for the President’s political patronage to the Southeast viz; signing the Southeast Development Commission Act, etcetera.” What a brazen and uncontrolled outpouring of emotional fury.
“You went on to declare that the President’s party, the APC, will take over Abia State by 2027. I have known you to exhume boldness, which is often misconstrued as excessive arrogance. But not this type of pugnacious instability.
“Lest that we are confused, especially in this season of significant economic hardship and high citizen expectations from those of us in government, would it not have been advisable that we are seen focused on our legislative duties, our constituents, Abia State, and the Southeast at large.
“Sir, you must now use that all-important position as Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives to de-marginalize and reduce the agitation of our people and promote inclusiveness.
“My beloved brother, with due respect, your comments lacked introspection and reeked of recklessness, discernment, lack of humility, lack of rationality, and were very unreasonable.
“If your ambition is to become the governor of Abia State by 2027, it is your right, but make it plain rather than hiding yourself in the shadows of discontent and display of insincerity and intemperate political culture.
“But I assure you that as you want Abians to repay Tinubu for his good works, so shall Abians repay Alex Otti for his mammoth achievements come 2027. Alex Otti will be reelected governor of Abia State.
“In your recent visits and encounters with His Excellency, “De Alley” as you fondly call him, you had seized every opportunity to debunk many tales of your ambition for the governorship stool of Abia state come 2027 and each time pledging loyalty and support to the demonstrable and visible achievements of Governor Alex Otti.
“My Honourable colleague, you should be made to know that there’s no vacancy in Abia State in 2027. As you are aware, for almost 24 years, this is the first time Abia has awakened to great leadership and governance strides.
“Anyone that doesn’t appreciate Dr. Alex Otti is an avowed enemy of progress. Recall that the Labour Party also won the Bende Federal Constituency in 2023. We can also be brazen enough to declare that seat vacant again.
“My Right Honourable, this is not the first time the Southeast was blessed with the position of the Deputy Speaker. Right Honourable (Chief) Emeka Ihedioha in 2011. The opportunity now ought not to be wasted only in rubbing shoulders and chanting your No. 6 position at every opportunity.
“Sir, may it please you to note: while we appreciate President Tinubu for signing the Southeast Development Commission into law alongside Development Commissions for every geo-political zone in the country, We have not seen or heard our leader, the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Right Honourable Dr. Tajudeen Abbas cajoling and mocking his people of the Northwest with his feat of including the Northwest in the Development Commissions as the No 4 citizen in the federation. Humility is indeed a virtue.
“Right Honourable, methinks we should elevate the noble ideals of demonstrable unity and stop chiding yourself by each time dropping President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s name in a manner suggesting that Dr Alex Otti is at war with the president.”
Abia state governor, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed that the era of filling strategic government positions with political cronies is over in the state.
Speaking during the swearing-in of six new commissioners, Otti emphasized that the appointments were made to revitalize and strengthen the State Executive Council.
He reminded the appointees that his administration has zero tolerance for corruption and any actions that could tarnish the government’s reputation.
The governor also cautioned the new commissioners against internal conflicts, urging them to be effective administrators and collaborative team players.
He stressed the importance of their roles in implementing the government’s programs and agenda within their respective ministries, charging them to deliver on their mandates with excellence.
“We have carefully selected these highly accomplished individuals to bring new ideas and energy to our team. The new nominations and appointments were made under our agenda to create a robust architecture that supports excellent service delivery.
“As I mentioned on this podium a few weeks ago, effective leadership is an exercise in continuous team building, finding the right people and placing them where they are best suited to thrive. The task of public sector governance is an enormous one that requires having the right people on board in the right positions to drive the central agenda of the administration across many important frontiers.”
“One of the major hallmarks of our administration is going against practices that had proven to stifle growth and dynamism. We have publicly rejected the traditional recruitment pattern of filling strategic Government offices with cronies who do very little in terms of execution of businesses of governance”, Otti stated.
The Governor while assuring them that he is ever ready to provide them with necessary guidance, disclosed that, to further strengthen the governance architecture of the State, there shall be a minor restructuring of Ministries to be announced soon, adding that it is aimed at making the Ministries more dynamic and productive.
“To further strengthen the governance architecture, there shall be more restructuring of the Ministries to support the actualization of the administration’s objectives and further empower the Commissioners to function optimally in their respective Ministries which will be announced soon” This is aimed at making the Ministries more dynamic and responsive to the evolving realities of Governance” The Governor noted.
The governor further made public that his government is working on setting up the Greater Ohafia Development Authority to oversee the development of Abia North.
Addressing the new commissioners after they had been administered with the oaths of office and allegiance by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Ogubunka, the Governor congratulated and thanked them for accepting to serve the State.
“I want to thank the new Commissioners for accepting to serve our Dear State and to contribute to the development of our Dear State”.
Responding on behalf of her colleagues, Dr (Mrs) Maureen Ijeoma Aghukwa said that their appointment is a privilege and opportunity to serve.
She thanked the Governor for finding them worthy to serve and pledged not to disappoint him, assuring that they would put in their best to move the State forward.
The newly sworn-in Commissioners are, Mr David U. Kalu, Kingsley Chibueze Nwokocha, Dr. Uwaoma Ukandu, Dr. (Mrs) Queen Ijeoma Aghukwa, Ubochi Goodluck Chinedu and Professor Ogbonnaya Uche.
The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti says that his administration has been able to manage the economy of the state from a bleeding to a healthy economic state.
Otti who disclosed this at the monthly media chat with journalists in the state and Abians, said that his administration had been able to manage the state’s resources and run the state in the last one year without any external borrowing despite a poorly and badly managed state that was bequeathed to him by his predecessor.
The Labour Party (LP) disclosed that the government under his watch is keeping their eyes on “the ball” as they were not relaxing on their oasis, however, disclosed that the state government with the economic team were, however, studying loan facilities from the African Development Bank and the Islamic Bank, which he said would be subject to the resolution of the state’s economic team.
Otti also announced that the state had also set up a committee on the review of the federal government-approved minimum wage with members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Trade Union Congress (TUC), as members considering the meager resources available to the state.
The Abia State Chief Executive who also disclosed that the state government would soon flag off the construction of a medical city with the state-of-the-art medical facilities said that his intention for such a project was to end brain drain among medical personnel and to also end medical tourism in not just the state, but the country at large.
