ALGON warns against divisive statements, backs Otti for second term

The Abia State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has cautioned political actors in the state, including former governors and their associates, against what it described as divisive public statements and political gang-ups capable of undermining unity and stability.

The warning was contained in a 14-point communiqué issued at the end of ALGON’s meeting in Umuahia and made available to journalists. The association said it had taken note of recent public comments by individuals it described as “architects of a failed past in Abia,” whom it accused of being unsettled by the progress recorded under the current administration.

According to ALGON, some of the statements claimed that Governor Alex Otti was performing below expectations or would not be supported for a second term. The association dismissed such claims as misleading and unconstructive.

The communiqué, signed by ALGON chairman and Mayor of Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Chief Chinedu Ekeke, stated that Governor Otti’s performance was evident across the state’s 17 local government areas.

ALGON noted that since assuming office, the Otti administration has demonstrated commitment to good governance, fiscal responsibility and effective service delivery, with verifiable improvements in road rehabilitation and reconstruction, healthcare and educational facilities, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, clearance of salary backlogs, and prudent management of public resources.

The association further observed that Abians, who were previously hesitant to openly identify with the state due to years of institutional decline, are now experiencing renewed pride both at home and in the diaspora, reflecting restored confidence in the state’s leadership and public image.

Abia LG Chairmen

Part of the communiqué read:

“As custodians of grassroots governance, members of ALGON in Abia State are in constant interaction with our communities and can attest to the growing public confidence in the direction of governance and the tangible benefits currently being experienced by our people.

“ALGON Abia State considers it inappropriate for any individual or group to attempt to pre-empt the democratic process or undermine the visible progress being recorded in Abia State through speculative political rhetoric.”

The association unanimously declared its support for Governor Otti’s re-election bid in 2027 and passed a vote of confidence on him.

“ALGON Abia State collectively and unequivocally commits its absolute support to the re-election of Dr. Alex Otti in 2027,” the communiqué stated, adding that the vote of confidence was in recognition of his “demonstrable performance, purposeful leadership and commitment to restoring integrity, efficiency and service delivery.”

Responding to questions from journalists, Ekeke dismissed insinuations that state governors were hijacking local government funds.

“There is nothing like hijacking of local government funds by state governors, especially following the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy,” he said.

He explained that funds are disbursed to local governments from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) through the states, with allocations managed collaboratively via the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), adding that the Federal Government is still working out modalities for full implementation of local government autonomy.