Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Stakeholders from Ohuhu, kinsmen of the late Premier of Eastern Nigeria, Dr Michael Okpara, have endorsed Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for a second term in office, describing his administration as one that has rewritten the development narrative of the state.
The endorsement was announced during an enlarged solidarity visit by over 2,000 Ohuhu indigenes to the governor at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Chief Obi Aguocha, said the visit was to appreciate Governor Otti for his long-standing relationship with the Ohuhu people and his wide-ranging developmental interventions across Abia State.
Aguocha also thanked the governor for appointing several sons and daughters of Ohuhu into key federal and state positions. He listed them to include Chief Victor Ikeji, Federal Commissioner representing Abia State at the Federal Character Commission; Mr Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, Principal Secretary and Chief Strategy Officer to the Governor; Barr. Agbonma Ukaobasi, point person on Ease of Doing Business; Ure Abazie, Director-General of the State Orientation Agency; and Sir Chris Onwuegbu, Permanent Secretary, among others.
He used the occasion to draw the governor’s attention to critical infrastructure needs in Ohuhu, including the Ohuhu Ring Road; the Okpara Road linking Amaogwugwu, Umuagu and Ofeme to Isuikwuato; and the revival of the Ulonna Farm Settlement established by the late Dr Okpara.
In separate remarks, stakeholders such as the pioneer Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Onyema Ugochukwu; Chief Uzodinma Okpara; and the member representing Umuahia North State Constituency, Barr. Anderson Akaliro, commended Governor Otti for transforming the Michael Okpara Auditorium into a world-class facility and for rehabilitating Ohuhu Community Secondary School, among other projects across Umuahia and the state.
They appealed to the governor to urgently address the long-standing water scarcity in Ohuhu by reviving the Ohuhu Regional Water Scheme, and to complete and make functional the Ohuhu General Hospital at Umuegwu Okpuala, built by the late Dr Okpara.
Responding, Governor Otti thanked the Ohuhu people for their solidarity, support and endorsement, and acknowledged the role of community leaders and stakeholders in sustaining peace and development.
On the Ohuhu Regional Water Scheme, the governor disclosed that the project had been captured in the 2026 budget. He added that the Umuahia Regional Water Scheme would soon be flagged off for rehabilitation, while the Aba Regional Water Scheme has reached about 80 per cent completion.
Governor Otti said his administration is determined to restore Abia State to the era when residents enjoyed regular pipe-borne water in their homes. He also promised to assess the Ohuhu General Hospital with a view to putting it into effective use.
The governor urged community leaders to mobilise their people to participate actively in voter registration and ensure they obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
“If there is anyone within your influence who does not have a Permanent Voter Card, please encourage them to go out and register. That is the only instrument you can use,” Otti said.
The event attracted stakeholders across party lines, including Dr Aham Uko, senior government officials and traditional rulers from the Ohuhu clans, who offered prayers for the governor, his family and his administration, and presented him with gifts.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, and other top government appointees were also in attendance.
