The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR has said that his administration is resolute about ending divisive and clannish governance in Abia State. Governor Otti stated this on Sunday 21st July 2024, at the Wesley Methodist Church Umuekwule Afugiri, Umuhia North Local Government of Abia State during the thanksgiving service of the Onwuneme family for the successful burial of Princess (Mrs.) Victoria Nkolika Onwuneme.
Governor Otti stated that his administration’s only focus is on good governance and ensuring that the dividends of democracy spread across the state for the people to enjoy.
“To our brothers and sisters, I don’t have so much to say, ours is about good governance. And, everything we have done in this one year is to ensure that the people will begin to reap the benefit of democracy”.
“And for us, we are resolute about ending bad governance, corruption, partisan government, divisive government, you don’t do that under our watch because before God everybody is equal”.
“So, you see us working in Abia North, You see us working in Abia Central, you will see us working in Abia South, and everybody has the same opportunity”.
“Our Government does not dwell so much on Local Government of Origin or village from where you come. All those are accidents of history; you could have come from somewhere else”.
“We don’t also care so much about those who don’t come from Abia because we believe that if you live in Abia, if you pay your taxes in Abia, then you are an Abian”, Dr. Otti declared.
Speaking about how some of those who led the State in the past emerged to rule the State, Governor Otti said that most of them did not emerge through the popular will of the people but emerged through manipulation of the electoral process. He declared that going forward, leaders that will lead the State will emerge through the popular will of the people of the State and the congregation agreed with him.
“For the first time in several years, Abia people installed their own government. And I said it without any fear of contradiction because am from here. I know that a lot of people who have sat on the seat that I am sitting now didn’t come through the ballot box but through manipulations”.
“I believe that Abia people are now resolute in saying that enough was enough. Going forward, we have to install our leaders ourselves”, the Governor stated as the congregation cheerfully applauded.
The Governor thanked the church for the supports they are giving the government and prayed that God will continue to bless them in health and prosperity.
Preaching the book of Psalm 89, the presiding pastor, Very Rev. Ogbonnaya Orji emphasized and encouraged the people to anchor their faith on God because he changes not and will lead and guide in every situation. Rev. Orji led the congregation into a fervent prayer session for the Governor, his entourage and the State.
Governor Otti was joined in the service by the Lawmaker representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North & South Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, the Deputy Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Nmeregini, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba PhD and other government functionaries.
Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
21-07-2024.
