An elite group, under the aegis of Vanguard Movement for Continuity (VMC), has endorsed the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, for a second term in office, stating that it is “Otti or nothing”.
A member of the group also used the occasion to launch a book, titled “Threats to Societal Values and Advancement”. The book raised alarm at the high level of moral decadence in society.
Speaking at the occasion, which was held at Adventist Technical Secondary College (ASTEC), Owerrinta, Isialangwa South Local Government Area of Abia, the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, thanked the group for publicly endorsing the Governor.
Rt. Hon. Emeruwa, who represented the Governor at the event, stated that the Governor merits a second term in office due to his outstanding performance, noting that it would also allow him to complete the numerous ongoing projects across the state. He further described the scale of development as unprecedented.
He stated that, unlike in the past, Abians are now proud of their state, with many returning home to contribute to its development. He added that progress is being recorded simultaneously across all sectors, stressing that Otti is not just an option but a God-sent leader poised to revive Abia.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Abia State Debt Management Office and BOT leader of the Alex Otti Vanguard Movement for Continuity, Dr. Elder Kingsley Nwaigburu, described the group as an inclusive platform that welcomes everyone committed to good governance, believes in Alex Otti, and is eager to see him re-elected in 2027. He noted that their large turnout was a clear demonstration of their endorsement of the Governor for a second term in office.
He maintained that the Governor is a gift to Abia, noting that he has cleared outstanding arrears of salaries and pensions owed by previous administrations, built hospitals and smart schools, reconstructed long-neglected roads and bridges, attracted foreign investors, improved security, and enhanced ease of doing business in the state.
Elder Nwaigburu also commended the author, Dr. Fineboy Joseph, for choosing this critical period, when the nation is grappling with serious moral and security challenges, to publish a book that draws attention to societal ills while offering solutions to moral decline.
He urged institutions and individuals to obtain and read the book, expressing hope that it would inspire people to fear God and uphold strong moral values, describing the work as timely, given the high level of moral decadence in society, adding that it not only highlights the challenges but also provides practical remedies to restore eroding values.
In his remarks, the author, Dr. Fineboy Joseph, a lecturer at Clifford University, Owerrinta, as well as, Director of General Studies and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Special and Management Sciences, said he was inspired to write the book by the growing level of moral decay in society. He added that he dedicated the book to Governor Alex Otti in recognition of his transformative efforts in the education sector.
He further explained that the book thoroughly examines threats to societal values and development, while offering practical solutions. Among the issues addressed are drug abuse, sexual promiscuity, secret cultism, kidnapping, inadequate funding of education, lack of integrity, corruption, and armed robbery, among others.
The author noted that over the years, the rising rate of moral decadence and social vices has largely gone unchecked, with key institutions such as the family, religious bodies, schools, communities, and government not doing enough to address the situation. He observed that nurturing the mind is often neglected in favour of the pursuit of wealth and fame, adding that the quest for material possessions now dominates, leading to an unprecedented decline in individual character.
The Vice Chancellor of Clifford University, Prof. Chimezie Allwell Omeonu, described the book launch as timely, particularly at a period when social media plays a dominant role in the lives of students. He urged both institutions and individuals to purchase and read the book.
Also speaking, Hon. Engr. Frank Iwuala, Secretary of Ndi Imo in Abia and former Chairman of Aba North LGA, said that having lived in Abia for many years, this is the first time he is witnessing what he described as true governance, marked by widespread infrastructural development across the state.
In his remarks, the Chief Executive of Holy Land Homes, Owerrinta, Dr. Gideon Nwandire, said the author, Dr. Fineboy Joseph, has been a benefactor to their organisation and has consistently supported the home. He added that bringing some of the children along to the event was their way of showing appreciation and solidarity, while wishing him success in all his endeavours.
