Our Reporter, Abuja
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to durable infrastructure and people-focused governance, stressing that leadership must be anchored on stewardship rather than lordship.
Governor Otti made the remarks on Sunday, January 11, while hosting a delegation of Abia royal fathers under the aegis of Traditional Rulers Friends of His Excellency at his residence. The group, drawn from different parts of the state, has supported the Governor’s vision for an “Abia First” that works for all since 2014.
Reflecting on the political journey that culminated in his election in 2023, Otti described it as one marked by resilience and consistency despite daunting challenges.
“We all started this journey together in 2014. We know what we have been through. We thank God that in 2023, the story changed. We stayed the course, resilient and consistent,” the Governor said.
He recalled the pressures and temptations to abandon the struggle, noting that some of his supporters, including traditional rulers, were victimised, suspended or even dethroned, with one losing his life in the process.
“If we didn’t continue, today would not have happened,” Otti stated, as he expressed gratitude to the royal fathers for their steadfast support.
The Governor explained that his administration’s focus on service delivery informed key decisions taken since assumption of office, including delaying the renovation of the dilapidated Government House in Umuahia.
“This is a government that came to serve the people. Once governance moves away from stewardship to lordship, then anything can happen,” he said.
He noted that inherited challenges such as pension, gratuity and salary arrears required urgent attention before embarking on new projects, stressing that prudent prioritisation has defined his leadership.
Otti assured that ongoing reconstruction of the Government House and office complex, now at an advanced stage, would result in a modern and befitting facility, adding that quality remains non-negotiable in all government projects.
“Anything we are building here, we are building to last. You will not see low-quality jobs anywhere, whether roads, schools or hospitals. If we are doing it, we must do it right,” he declared.
The Governor, who said his administration has completed two years and seven months in office, expressed optimism about doing more with continued public support, acknowledging that governance cannot satisfy everyone due to divergent interests.
“When 90 to 95 per cent of the people are happy, you can assume that everybody is happy,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the leader and First Deputy Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty Eze Nelson Nmerengwa, alongside His Royal Highness Eze Franklin Nwosu, commended Governor Otti for what they described as visible and impactful achievements across the state.
They said Abia has emerged as a reference point for good governance in Nigeria, surpassing states such as Lagos and Akwa Ibom, and urged the Governor to ignore opposition criticisms.
According to them, Otti’s second term in 2027 is already assured, noting that their concern is who would succeed him in 2031 to sustain the current development trajectory.
“We are looking beyond 2027. Your reelection is already done. Our worry is who will take over from you so that Abia will not be dragged back to underdevelopment,” Eze Nmerengwa said.
The royal fathers also praised the Governor for assembling a competent team to deliver democratic dividends, reaffirmed their unwavering support and offered prayers for him, his family, cabinet and the state.
Governor Otti received the delegation alongside the Member representing Isiala Ngwa South and North Federal Constituency, Hon. Okenze Ginger Onwusibe, and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba.
