Pledges support for Otti
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The former Director General, National Directorate of Employment, NDE, Chief Chuku Wachuku, has said that the era of patronising sycophants and touts with political appointments in Abia Government was over.
Wachuku who was reacting to the recent appointments by the newly-inaugurated Governor Alex Otti, said that Otti had demonstrated that it would no longer be business as usual for quacks and political urchins in the state.
He said that the choice of appointees so far by Otti had shown that he was out to change the narrative.
According to the Small and Medium Enterprises, SME expert, “one doesn’t have to be a sycophant or tout to be in Government.”
Wachuku who was the senatorial candidate of the Young Peoples Party, YPP, for Abia Central in the 2023 poll, commended Otti for placing merit and competence above political patronage.
He said that Abia “needs experienced technocrats with integrity and not political bootlickers” to return to the path of greatness.
The YPP chieftain noted that the intimidating credentials of those Otti appointed as Special Advisers and Assistants, were clear indication that Abia would be made to work again.
Harping on competence, Wachuku said “what matters is what one can bring to table.”
“It’s your background and what you can offer that make you to be part of Government; it shouldn’t be by praise singing.
“Otti has shown what he wants. He needs hard-core technocrats to drive governance. He can’t afford to patronise touts.
“The tremendous credentials of the officers of Government that he has so far appointed indicate that he is not here for jokes but for serious business to deliver good governance. These are seasoned and distinguished professionals ready to replicate their feats in their new assignments.
“The take-away in what Otti is beginning to do in Abia now is that sycophancy and thuggery do not qualify one to be in Government. It also shows that being a tout or the head of ‘Okada’ (commercial motorcycle) does not qualify one to be appointed into power.”
Wachuku pledged support for Otti who he said, had demonstrated “commitment to engender a new Abia where things work.”
“Party politics is not the issue here; rebuilding Abia is paramount to us all. So, when he does well as he has started doing, it is our duty to commend and support him.
“There are strong indications to believe that Abia is in for her glory days. I ‘ve known Alex for years and I’m convinced he will do well. We shall all support him to succeed irrespective of party affiliations.”
Ikengaonline reports that Otti’s style of governance especially his appointments and tackling of touts and revenue collectors, have been eliciting commendations across party lines.
