Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has reiterated that leave allowance for civil servants in the state will be paid, assuring workers that he has already approved the payment and that any outstanding allowances will be settled.
The Governor gave the assurance at the 2025 final edition of Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians, held at the Government House, Umuahia, where he briefed residents on activities and achievements of his administration. He said the government has continued to work across different sectors and appealed for patience from residents as projects intensify during the dry season.
“Since the last time we met, we have continued to work in different areas. A lot has been achieved and we are not resting on our oars. This is the dry season and you will see a lot of work going on around your neighbourhoods. Please manage us for the inconvenience you may experience,” the Governor said.
On environmental sanitation, Governor Otti said the state has adopted a zero-tolerance policy for refuse and indiscriminate waste disposal across urban and rural areas. “In Aba, Umuahia, Ohafia and even in the villages, we now have zero tolerance for rubbish,” he stated.
Speaking on health, the Governor said his administration is committed to the renovation and functionalisation of primary healthcare centres across the state. “We are renovating and making our primary health centres functional. I am just coming back from Bende where I was told that 16 primary health centres have been fixed, and this is happening in other areas as well,” he said.
In the education sector, Governor Otti highlighted the renovation and fencing of schools, the Smart School Project and improved security through the Homeland Security initiative, noting that further expansion of the security architecture is expected in 2026. “With consistency, we believe we will continue to make our mark as we have been doing,” he added.
On transportation, the Governor said the state recently rolled out electric buses, which are currently operating free of charge. “About eight days ago, we rolled out the electric buses. The service is free for now and will continue into January. The whole idea is to key into environmental sustainability,” he said. He added that he personally tested the buses, saying, “I rode one of the buses from Umuahia to Ukwa and I was happy with how it moved.”
Governor Otti disclosed that more buses are expected to arrive, saying, “I understand that routes have increased. We have 20 more buses on the way and another 60 will follow. Our target is that by the end of 2026, we will have about 100 electric buses. They have come to stay and they belong to all of us.”
On power supply, the Governor recalled his promise to restore electricity to 33 communities. “Sometime in March, I promised to restore power to 33 communities, and on the 22nd of this month, when I went to Ukwa, I was able to switch them on,” he said. He also confirmed that Abia State has taken over electricity regulation following the handover by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, adding that the remaining eight local government areas would be taken over in the first quarter of next year.
Addressing power challenges in Bende and Ohafia, the Governor assured residents of lasting solutions. “Very soon, we will restore permanent power to Bende and Ohafia,” he said, explaining that gas availability is critical to sustaining electricity generation.
On industrial revival, Governor Otti said the state has taken over Star Paper Mill and is in the process of taking over Afro Beverages. “The whole idea is to bring these industries back to life. Discussions are also ongoing to revive other companies, not just for GDP growth but to create jobs,” he said.
Speaking on security, the Governor commended God and security agencies for their efforts in ensuring safety across the state. On leave allowance, he reiterated the government’s commitment, saying, “When you are paid leave allowance, you are supposed to go on leave. When I signed off on all of them, it means they will be paid, and if anyone has not been paid, they will be paid.”
Reacting to comments attributed to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Governor Otti said he would not be drawn into unnecessary exchanges. “Ordinarily, I will not respond to such matters. I called on our people during Christmas to extend consideration to the less privileged, and I thank him for heading that call. I have taken a principled decision not to dignify his comments with a response,” he said, quoting Winston Churchill: “You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.”
Clarifying his political position, the Governor said, “I joined the Labour Party before Peter Obi. I did not join with him. He communicated to me that he was leaving and I gave him my blessing. I am not defecting with him.”
Asked about a second term, Governor Otti said he preferred to wait on divine guidance. “I don’t want to speak when God has not spoken. People can look at what has been done and decide if this is where they want us to continue,” he said.
On low patronage of primary healthcare centres, the Governor said change would take time. “It will not be done by force and it will not be automatic. The Abia State Orientation Agency and medical personnel will continue to do their part,” he said, adding that the state would present its budget performance to Abians by the end of 2025.
