Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has declared that his administration is fully prepared to defend itself in court following reports that a Civil Society Organization has obtained leave from the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the state’s administration of local government councils.
Speaking on Thursday during the July edition of “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,” a monthly media parley with journalists held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, the Governor said his government has nothing to hide and is ready to respond once the suit is filed.
“We are waiting for those who want to sue us over local government administration. I won’t give them any tips, but when we receive their suit, we will respond accordingly,” Governor Otti stated.
He maintained that every policy and programme of his administration ultimately benefits the local government areas, insisting that the state government remains committed to grassroots development.
In the Health Sector, Governor Otti said the state has continued to record significant progress in healthcare delivery, revealing that 144 of the 200 Primary Health Centres earmarked for renovation have been completed and made functional, in addition to 77 health facilities supported by the World Bank.
He disclosed that rehabilitation works at several general hospitals are nearing completion, including the Abayi Cottage Hospital, Obingwa General Hospital, and Arochukwu General Hospital, which are being equipped ahead of commissioning.
At the tertiary level, he said work is progressing at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital and the Amachara Specialist Hospital.
The Governor also announced that about 700 out of the 881 approved medical personnel have resumed duty, while others will soon resume in a bid to meet the staffing needs of newly completed hospitals.
Highlighting his administration’s education reforms, Governor Otti said the recently commissioned Smart Schools in Ubakala and Isiala Ngwa are part of the several planned across the state, with the next one scheduled for Aba.
According to him, the government is integrating digital learning, artificial intelligence and robotics into the educational system to prepare Abia children for the future.
“The world has changed. Artificial Intelligence and Robotics are the future, and we must prepare our children early so they are not intimidated by technology,” he said.
On road projects, the Governor acknowledged that heavy rainfall has slowed construction activities but assured residents that work is continuing across project sites.
He cited ongoing construction on Obohia Road in Aba and apologized to residents affected by recent flooding, explaining that additional drainage infrastructure is being constructed to improve flood control.
Governor Otti disclosed that his administration has issued 4,933 Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) in the last three years, with nearly 1,000 issued this year alone.
He also announced the completion of the state’s digital mapping exercise, saying land administration would henceforth be fully digitized to eliminate fraud and improve efficiency.
On housing, the Governor revealed plans to commence new housing estates in Umuahia to address rising rental costs.
Governor Otti appreciated the visit of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, noting that she had approved the release of funds to support women and promote the internationally acclaimed Akwaete fabric.
He emphasized that the state would intensify efforts to position Akwaete as a globally recognized cultural and economic product.
The Governor announced ongoing development works at the Arochukwu Waterfall and the historic Ojukwu Bunker, in partnership with the Federal Government, as part of efforts to boost tourism in the state.
Commending residents for maintaining cleaner surroundings, Governor Otti said Abia’s environmental sanitation campaign is gradually changing public attitudes toward waste disposal.
Governor Otti disclosed that the state has taken delivery of 20 additional electric buses, which will serve routes including:
* Umuahia–Bende
* Umuahia–Okigwe
* Umuahia–Abia State University
* Aba–Ukwa
* Aba–Owerri
He also revealed that all the buses have been equipped with electronic surveillance systems.
Addressing a recent viral incident involving one of the state transport buses, the Governor confirmed that both the driver and co-driver involved had been dismissed.
He further stated that construction of the bus terminals and the Ekeoha Transport Hub is progressing steadily and would soon be completed.
Governor Otti praised security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace across the state and congratulated the Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa on his recent decoration as an Assistant Inspector General of Police , expressing confidence that the Police Service Commission would soon post a new Commissioner of Police in the State.
On water supply, the Governor said efforts are underway to revive the CKC Water Scheme in Aba, with the original contractors engaged to recapitalize the facility they build in the 1970’s
Responding to concerns over the erosion menace in Uzuakoli, Bende Local Government Area, Governor Otti assured residents that the state government would intervene as the Commissioner of Environment has visited the scene.
The Governor reiterated that his administration remains focused on delivering sustainable development across all sectors while ensuring all Abians that his administration will continue to make them proud.
