Abia will never return to its ignominious past, says Otti, assures equitable development

By Peter Okore, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, equitable development and sustained transformation across all parts of the state.

Otti declared that Abia had left behind the era of stagnation and would continue on the path of progress, insisting that the state would never return to its “ignominious past.”

The governor spoke at a civic reception organised in his honour by the people of Umunneochi Local Government Area at Peace Secondary School, Amuda, Isuochi, where residents also reaffirmed their support for his re-election bid in 2027.

He assured the people that his administration would continue to pursue balanced development across all communities, irrespective of their location.

Otti announced that the long-awaited Mmam Bridge would be constructed, following earlier engagements with stakeholders in Umunneochi. He added that the project, along with other critical infrastructure, had been captured in the 2026 budget.

The governor said strategic investments in free and quality education, road infrastructure and other people-centred initiatives remained central to his administration’s vision of improving the quality of life of Abians and driving sustainable development.

“This is your government. We will continue to invest in your future through education, infrastructure and other people-oriented projects,” Otti said.

He also announced plans to extend the state’s Electric Bus Green Shuttle transportation scheme to Umunneochi following the arrival of 20 additional electric buses.

According to him, new routes linking Umuahia to Umunneochi, as well as Umuahia–Okigwe–Uturu–Abia State University (ABSU), will commence operations soon to improve connectivity and ease transportation for residents and students.

The governor commended residents for supporting government efforts to safeguard lives and property, stressing that community collaboration remained critical in the fight against crime.

“Anyone with criminal intentions should either repent or leave because we will smoke criminals out. Together, we shall continue to keep Abia safe for everyone,” he warned.

In their goodwill messages, the Labour Party’s Abia North Senatorial candidate, Chief David Onuoha; the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Amobi Ogah; the member representing Umunneochi State Constituency, Mathias Umeh; and elder statesman and former Minister of Education and Health, Prof. Ihechukwu Madubuike, commended Otti for what they described as the visible transformation across the state.

They cited improvements in healthcare, road infrastructure, education and the restoration of public confidence in government, saying the governor had demonstrated exceptional leadership and deserved a second term in office.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Lands, Mr Chaka Chukwumerije; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Ngozi Azode; the Mayor of Umunneochi LGA, Chief Sunny Afurobi; Mr Uche Okoroafor; and the representative of the northern community in Umuchieze, Alhaji Buba Abdullahi, described Otti as a grassroots-oriented and people-centred leader.

They thanked the governor for interventions in Umunneochi, including efforts to improve security, the approval for the construction of a new General Hospital, the rehabilitation of 19 Primary Healthcare Centres—12 of which are already operational—as well as road projects and investments in educational infrastructure.

They pledged their continued support for his re-election in 2027.

Alhaji Abdullahi, in particular, said Umunneochi had become safer for residents following the government’s decisive action against insecurity, describing Otti as a leader who fulfils his promises through visible projects.

A highlight of the event was the formal reception of new members into the Labour Party. The new entrants, led by the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy governorship candidate in Abia State, Dr Jasper Uche, were presented with the party’s flag by Governor Otti and the state chairman of the Labour Party.