Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia Governor-Elect, Dr Alex Otti of the Labour Party, has warned the outgoing Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, against awarding fresh contracts as his administration winds down.
Otti issued the warning Wednesday in Umuahia after he was issued with his certificate of return by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
The governor-elect who said he would not be vindictive, again asked those with looted funds belonging to Abia to immediately and voluntarily return same as he would not have time to be chasing anybody around.
“I call on those who have looted Abia funds to return it immediately. We can’t allow our resources to be converted to a private estate while Abians are wallowing in abject poverty.”
Otti used the opportunity to commend the Returning Officer, and Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology Owerri, FUTO, Professor Nnenna Otti, for being upright and refusing to be compromised.
He denied any affinity or blood link with her contrary to allegations by the ruling party, explaining that the Returning Officer hails from Ebonyi State, and is not by any means related to him.
Otti said she deserved commendation for standing on the side of truth.
“With people like her, there is hope for Nigeria,” Otti said.
He also commended INEC for conducting a credible poll in Abia, although he noted that Labour Party Leader and Collation agent in Obingwa attacked by thugs is still hospitalised.
Otti who noted that the task before him is enormous with high expectations, assured Abians that he would not fail them.
He said that “God had given Abia a new song,” and promised not to betray the confidence reposed in him by Abia voters.
“Your expectations have put a huge responsibility on us. I won’t fail Abians who have waited for an opportunity like this for a new dawn.
“You will not be disappointed. I won’t betray the confidence you have in me,” Otti assured.
Otti commended his fellow contestants who had already called to congratulate or pledged their support for him to move the state forward.
He urged other contestants to put the election behind them and also rally round him for the good of the state instead of engaging in litigation against “a clearly won election.”
Otti also commended Gov. Ikpeazu for also congratulating him, and for advising other contestants against unnecessary litigation.
Speaking earlier, INEC National Commissioner and Head Voter Education and Publicity, Festus Okoye, thanked Abians for being vigilant to protect their votes.
Okoye who represented the INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, noted that democracy needed to be nurtured to grow, adding that INEC alone cannot conduct credible elections without the collaborative efforts of other stakeholders including the citizenry.
Okoye said that huge expectations were on Otti and the deputy governor-elect, Emetu Lekwachi, and prayed God to grant them the grace and wisdom to deliver.
Speaking also,the INEC Administrative Secretary, Clement Oha, said the elections in Abia were successful and credible.
According to him, INEC offices in states have been deserted after the polls unlike Abia where the INEC officials are still on ground because they discharged their duties creditably.
Former PDP Chairman in the state and governorship aspirant, Senator Emma Nwaka, was among the dignitaries at the colourful event.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the state, Apostle Emmanuel Agonmuo; State Chairman of Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC and Chairman of Labour Party, Ceekay Igara, among LP supporters and members of the Obidient family were all there.
