…Says public funds must be used for public good
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has challenged political office holders in Nigeria to go to Abia State, and learn good governance and accountability from Gov. Akex Otti.
Extolling the achievements of Gov. Otti during a special church service to mark Otti’s second anniversary, Obi declared that “one doesn’t need to tune to the radio to know what the governor is doing.”
Obi said that the two years Otti had been on the saddle was worth celebrating “because he has shown impactful leadership with a difference.”
He said: “We have come to celebrate two years with a difference. People have always said that they need eight years, they need ten years, they need twenty years. But, I’ve always said that one day can make a difference.
“Everybody is seeing it in Abia. You don’t need to tune to the radio. You don’t need people to tell you. There’s a difference. And that’s what we’re celebrating today.
While calling on Abians to continue to uphold the Government of Governor Alex Otti in prayers, Mr Obi urged Nigerians to pray that God touches the leaders as trustees to always use public funds to serve the people like Dr. Alex Otti is doing in Abia.
“It is difficult to govern Nigeria, especially when you want to do it right. Continue to remember the Governor and the Commissioners who are helping him in prayers. Do the same thing for Nigeria; that God should touch all of us who are leaders. Touch our hearts to use public money for public good. It is not our money.
“We are just trustees. Like it’s happening in Abia. We want it to happen everywhere in Nigeria.
“When I say to people, I’m not desperate to be a President, I’m desperate to see Nigeria work. We want future leaders like him (Governor Otti),” the former Anambra Governor stated.
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti attributed all the modest achievements recorded by his administration within two years to God who has been inspiring and strengthening him.
Governor Otti who noted that without the grace of God and his enablement, all his vision for the state would not have been made possible.
“So, because we recognize that everything we have done is of the Lord… so we return all the thanks to him,” Governor Otti stated.
He used the opportunity to thank all government officials including the legislative and judicial arms for their support for the new Abia project.
While also thanking Obi for always identifying with his administration, he equally appreciated the Church for their sustained prayers.
Earlier in his message on the topic; “At The Fullness Of Time,” the former President, Abia North Conference of Seventh Day Adventist Church, Pastor Enyinnaya K. Uguru, enjoined leaders to be cautious on how they celebrate the present else they lose focus of the future.
He stated that God’s purpose manifested in the life of Governor Otti in 2023 after several attempts to become Governor, adding that “Periods of delays are periods of preparation.”
Pastor Uguru who said he stopped listening to Government media platforms because of lies, boldly said that the Governor is doing very well.
“You are doing well, am saying it because I have evidences.”
While reacting to the theme of the celebration “Two years of Transformation; Sustaining the Momentum,” the preacher said with Governor Otti on the saddle, Abia would continue to prosper. He prayed God to give the Governor more wisdom and understanding for more selfless services to the people.
The service which featured special prayers for the administration of Governor Alex Otti and his cabinet was attended by notable Abians including senior government appointees.
