…Insists He Remains in Labour Party
The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has stated that he will not oppose the second-term ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that he is equally preparing to seek re-election as governor in 2027.
Governor Otti made this known on Friday during the March edition of his interactive session, “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,” held at the Banquet Hall in Umuahia.
According to him, he has no basis to challenge President Tinubu’s re-election bid since he is not contesting for the presidency.
“The member representing Isiala Ngwa North/South Federal Constituency is correct. I am not in a position to oppose the candidacy of the President. I am not running for President. Why will I oppose the President’s second term when I am also running for second term?” he stated.
The governor also dismissed speculations about a possible defection, affirming his continued membership of the Labour Party.
“Labour Party had issues, but those have been resolved by the Supreme Court. Registration is ongoing, and I encourage those who have not registered to do so,” he said.
Governor Otti disclosed that Abia State University, Uturu held its 30th–32nd convocation ceremony on Friday , graduating 10,255 students. He added that reconstruction of 5,000-bed hostels for-male and another 5000 for female students has been flagged off, alongside the foundation for an International Secondary School.
He revealed that the state secured a $200 million investment deal with Presco Plc for palm plantation development across four locations in Abia. He also noted that Abia has been favorably considered for the second phase of a $350 million multi-state agricultural project.
The Governor reiterated progress on the Abia Innovation and Industrial Park (AIIP) in Ukwa, describing it as a long-term project that will include a modular refinery.
He announced restoration of public electricity to Abia State University after decades of blackout and disclosed plans for a 15-megawatt power solution that could enable the institution to operate independently of the national grid.
Otti said the state has so far recruited 559 healthcare professionals out of the approved 7741 and will keep the recruitment portal open until the target is met. He added that 227 primary healthcare centres are being upgraded to ensure at least one functional facility per ward.
He also acknowledged the donation of an MRI machine worth $1 million by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Governor highlighted the commissioning of a $35 million beverage plant in Aba by a private investor, with additional expansion phases worth $75 million expected.
He confirmed that the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal is nearing completion, while reconstruction of the Enyimba Hotel is ongoing, with a target to reopen within 12 months.
Otti commended security agencies and residents of Aba for maintaining peace during a recent protest, noting that the situation was handled professionally without escalation.
Airport & Federal Collaboration
He disclosed that 200 hectares of land have been approved for a Nigerian Air Force base at the proposed Abia International Airport in Nsulu, which is being developed in partnership with the Federal Government.
The Governor indicated that the planned recruitment of 4,000 teachers may be exceeded due to high application volume.
The Governor Alex Otti said that his administration is in serious talks with a major hotel chain for the purpose of converting the new Government House Project done by the last administration into a big hospitality outfit.
According to the Governor, ” From all indications and information at our disposal, there is no need to move the Government House outside this premises. So we are presently constructing a befitting Government House here. The question is what happens to that project done by the last administration. We believe that the best approach is convert the place into a major hospitality project. So we are currently in high level talks with a major hotel chain for that purpose. When we are done with the talks and finalize the agreement, the name of the hotel group will be made known”.
Governor Otti also clarified that the Administrative Panel of Inquiry set up to investigate the Okon Aku community crisis was extended from its initial 30-day timeline to 60 days.
He urged residents to remain law-abiding, particularly on issues such as herdsmen-related conflicts, stressing that while the government will not tolerate destruction of farmlands, citizens must not take laws into their own hands.
On political appointees with ambitions, the Governor said they will be required to resign at the appropriate time.
