Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong, has stated that those plotting to unseat Governor Alex Otti of Abia State in 2027 are “wasting their time.”
Bishop Ukpong emphasized that the 2027 elections would be a walkover for Otti due to his remarkable achievements in office. He made the statement on Sunday during a luncheon hosted for the Governor at the Mater Dei Catholic Church, Umuahia.
“Otti’s good works over just two years have done his campaign for him,” Bishop Ukpong said, adding that he hosted the Governor to celebrate his “impactful and remarkable achievements,” calling Otti an answer to prayers.
The Bishop also reflected on what he saw as the seemingly impossible accomplishments in the state under Governor Otti’s leadership. “There was a time I sent you a text, telling you that for the first time, Abians are proud to be Abians,” he said. He noted that he had not visited Aba in a long time but received positive feedback from residents, including the Catholic Bishop of Aba, Bishop Echema.
“Keep it up,” the Bishop urged, acknowledging the transformation in Aba.
Bishop Ukpong particularly praised the rehabilitation of the Igwu (Omenuko) Bridge, recalling how travelling through it had once been a daunting experience. “Since I became an adult, travelling from Ohafia through Bende-Ohafia Road, once you get to Igwu bridge, the journey becomes scary until you cross. But now, nobody is scared of the bridge anymore because of the work you’ve done there.”
“I didn’t know that in my lifetime, the bridge would be like what it is now,” he added, drawing applause from the gathering.
The Bishop also shared his previous experience on the Ndi-Oji road in 2018, describing the journey to Arochukwu as a “nightmare” due to the poor condition of the road. However, during a pastoral visit earlier this year, he was pleasantly surprised to find that the road had been repaired by Otti’s administration.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Bishop Ukpong exclaimed after finding that what once took hours now took only 25 minutes from Amuvi Arochukwu to Igwu Bridge.
He concluded by asserting that Otti’s administration had debunked the saying, “there is no easy route to Arochukwu,” praising the Governor for his efforts in road infrastructure.
“We cannot start mentioning things one-by-one, but we are proud to support you. You are doing well.”
Bishop Ukpong added humorously that even comedians had begun making jokes about the 2027 governorship election, saying, “Whoever is going to contest in 2027 in Abia State is wasting their time. The Governor has already campaigned for himself through his good works.”
He further stated, “If it’s possible to extend your tenure to a third or fourth term, with somebody like you, we wouldn’t bother about that.”
In his response, Governor Otti thanked the Bishop for his kind words and acknowledged the church’s role in supporting his administration. He called on the church to continue offering their prayers and support.
Otti, who described leadership as a form of stewardship and service, emphasized that any leadership that becomes self-serving loses its true purpose. He assured that more developments would follow under his administration.
Reflecting on his tenure, Otti mentioned that he had inherited a state at “virtually ground zero” but had managed to achieve significant progress in just two years.
“We don’t like complaining, as that doesn’t solve the problem. We are tackling the issues with the little resources available, paying back almost 60% of the debts left behind by our predecessors, and still achieving things without borrowing any money,” he said.
Otti also commented on the recently approved USD263 million loan for the state from the African Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank, noting that it would fast-track further development. He assured that the funds would be used judiciously.
