Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has announced a one-month extension of the free electric bus service introduced by his administration in December 2025.
Otti made the announcement on Thursday night during a media parley in Umuahia, explaining that the 20 electric buses, which began operations in late December and were initially scheduled to stop free services in January, will now continue operating at no cost until the end of February 2026.
Reacting to threats by some of his predecessors to sue him for operating from his private residence instead of the Government House in Umuahia, the governor dared them to proceed, stating that his legal team is ready.
Otti said he owes no one any explanation regarding where he carries out his official duties, stressing that there is no law requiring a governor to live in the Government House.
The governor, who disclosed that he is currently rebuilding the Governor’s Lodge within the Government House, said the facility was left in a deplorable condition by previous administrations.
“Well, I am waiting to be sued. My lawyers are prepared. I have looked at the Constitution, and there is no provision that says I must live in a particular place,” Otti said.
“The condition in which the Government House was left is well known. I don’t owe anybody that explanation.”
On speculation about his political future amid the leadership crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP), Otti said he remains a member of the party for now.
According to him, while anything could happen in the future, he is presently a bona fide member of the LP.
The governor said a recent court judgment had affirmed the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Working Committee as the authentic leadership of the party.
He added that the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment has already been transmitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), expressing confidence that the electoral body would comply.
Otti urged the former National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure, to respect the court ruling.
“We are on the right side of the law. We have consistently maintained that Abure’s tenure has expired, and the court has affirmed that position,” he said.
“People must obey court judgments to avoid unnecessary pressure on the judiciary.”
He added: “We are not in an election season. When elections come, we will still run on the platform of the Labour Party. But nobody knows tomorrow. Today, however, I remain in the Labour Party.”
Earlier in his opening remarks, Otti highlighted key achievements of his administration, reaffirming his commitment to transforming Abia State.
He disclosed that the introduction of free education has led to a significant increase in student enrollment across public schools in the state.
The governor also announced that the iconic Omenuko Bridge at the Abam section of the Bende–Ohafia federal road, constructed by his administration, is ready for inauguration.
He said several road projects across the state are progressing steadily, adding that the contractor handling the Ohafia–Arochukwu Road has been directed to return to site.
Otti further revealed that the expansion of the Lokpanta Cattle Market into a multi-sector commercial hub will soon commence, following the approval of the project design by the State Executive Council.
He also disclosed plans to digitise the collection of levies from hotels and other hospitality businesses as part of efforts to boost the state’s internally generated revenue.
“In the next few months, hotels will be assessed using verified criteria, and with the click of a button, they will receive their rates,” he said.
The governor assured that Abia would witness increased infrastructural development in the coming months, stressing that his overriding goal is to leave the state better than he met it.
