Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The traditional ruler of Ekeoba Ancient Kingdom, Ohuhu, Umuahia, Abia State, HRM Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna, has commended Governor Alex Otti for what he described as bold, people-focused governance, particularly the payment of workers’ outstanding leave allowances and the introduction of electric buses for urban mass transit.
Eze Nwokenna spoke during “The Truth” programme organised by the Abia State Policy Innovation Centre through the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Policies and Interventions, Rev. Fr. Christian Anokwuru.
The monarch said the free electric bus initiative has significantly eased the transportation burden on residents, especially amid prevailing economic hardship.
He noted that the Otti administration has restored hope among Abia workers through the regular and prompt payment of salaries, a sharp departure from past practices.
The monarch further praised the gradual return of nightlife to Umuahia and Aba, attributing it to improved security, infrastructure and economic activity.
According to him, Aba, once a vibrant commercial hub, suffered years of decay before Governor Otti assumed office.
“From the moment he took over, the governor began fixing Aba—reconstructing roads, remodelling markets and reviving moribund industries,” the monarch said.
Eze Nwokenna also highlighted improvements in power supply, citing the solar farm installed at the Abia State Broadcasting Corporation as a major intervention that has ensured constant electricity and enhanced service delivery.
Corroborating the monarch’s views, a human rights activist and public affairs analyst, Comrade Paul Njoku, commended Governor Otti for the timely payment of salaries, noting that it has improved workers’ financial credibility.
“With regular salaries, workers can walk into any bank of their choice and access loans to address long-standing or urgent needs,” Njoku said.
He urged critics of the governor to be fair and constructive, stressing that a comparison between past administrations and the current one reveals a clear difference in governance, performance and impact.
Njoku also applauded ongoing infrastructural works in Aba and Umuahia, recounting a recent visit to Aba where he was impressed by the cleanliness and orderly conduct in the city.
“The Aba we saw was different from what we used to know. The transformation is visible,” he added.
