Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has clarified that the newly signed Local Government Law passed by the Abia State House of Assembly does not conflict with the recent Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy in Nigeria.
The Governor made this assertion during the June 2025 edition of “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians” held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Umuahia, on Thursday.
According to him, the Supreme Court judgment was aimed at strengthening local government autonomy, and the new law in Abia complements, rather than contradicts, this intent.
“The Supreme Court had an intention, and we made sure our law reflects that intention. What we did was to ensure that the Supreme Court judgment was implemented in a manner that respects the spirit of local governance,” Otti said.
“The law we passed is in no way in conflict with the Supreme Court judgment. It’s important to note that local governments are building blocks that make up the state.”
Governor Otti addressed recent security concerns in the state, especially in Umunneochi and parts of Isuikwuato. He confirmed that one of the state’s commissioners was recently attacked on the stretch between Umunneochi and Umuahia but escaped unharmed.
“Security is something we take very seriously. Just recently, government forces raided a criminal camp in Ugwunagbo. Though we lost a soldier in the operation, the camp was destroyed and suspects were arrested,” he stated.
He emphasized the state’s zero-tolerance stance toward kidnapping, armed robbery, and banditry.
On healthcare, Governor Otti revealed that his administration has successfully renovated 200 primary healthcare centers across the state.
“Many of the centers are ready and fully equipped with modern facilities. We are commissioning one per local government area. These are not just basic health centers—they are fitted with equipment you’d expect to find in developed countries,” he explained.
He also mentioned ongoing work on several general hospitals, including those in Arochukwu, Ohafia, Obingwa, and Umunneochi. The renovation of Abia State University Teaching Hospital has commenced, following the restoration of its accreditation lost in 2021. Plans are also underway to launch a new medical city.
Speaking on education, the Governor disclosed that 5,394 newly recruited teachers are undergoing orientation and will soon be deployed across the state.
“After this phase, an additional 4,000 teachers will be recruited. We’re ensuring both the quality and quantity of educators meet global standards.”
He also noted that 20 schools are being transformed into smart schools, and renovation works at Abia State University hostels are nearing completion. Power has been restored to the Uturu campus as embedded power systems are being put in place.
Governor Otti highlighted key road and infrastructure projects:
• Recently commissioned 14 roads, many of which are interconnected.
• Ongoing works on Nunya–Eluama Road, Abiriba–Ohafia Road, Arochukwu–Abam Road, Omenuko Bridge, and Ekeakpara–Osisioma Road.
• Beautification work at Aba–Owerri Road and upgrades at the Umuahia Bus Terminal.
He confirmed that Port Harcourt Road has been completed and will be commissioned before the end of July.
The Governor commended ASEPA for improved waste management across Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia. He also mentioned that work at Ovom Street in Aba is nearing completion.
“The whole idea is to rescue that area, and we are confident the work will soon be completed.”
Governor Otti announced that paperwork for the long-awaited Enyimba Hotel project is almost complete, and construction is set to begin soon.
On human capital development, he reiterated that while the government provides the enabling environment, it is the private sector that drives industrial growth.
“It’s not the government’s job to run industries—that’s for the private sector. What we do is create an environment where businesses can thrive by providing roads, power, and infrastructure,” he said.
Governor Otti stated that current local government mayors may not need to rebuild LGA headquarters, as previous administrations had already done the groundwork.
“The local governments are functional, and we are seeing results. Everything done by the state ultimately supports the local governments.”
Regarding pending issues in the civil service:
• Disengaged Abia Polytechnic workers: Payment is pending ongoing verification.
• Civil servant promotions: The governor has requested corrections to an initial report and will act upon receiving a revised version.
Governor Otti concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the infrastructural and socio-economic development of Abia State.
“We remain focused on transforming Abia through sustainable reforms, robust infrastructure, and human capital investment. This is only the beginning.”
