The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has emphasized that his administration, alongside his fellow governors in the South East region, remains committed to the development and unity of the Igbo people.
Governor Otti made the declaration on Tuesday at his Nvosi country home in Isiala Ngwa South LGA during a courtesy visit by the newly elected President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Mbata, and the Deputy National President, Prince Okey Nwadinobi.
Governor Otti with the newly elected President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Mbata
The visit was to express their personal gratitude for Governor Otti’s support, as well as that of other South East governors, which facilitated their successful election.
The governor expressed belief that Senator Mbata’s wealth of experience and leadership acumen would be instrumental in advancing the interests of the Igbo people and contributing to the development of the region.
“I can vouch for you. I know your capacity and know what you stand for. I have no doubt that in this role, you will continue to do what you have been known for, which is consistency, truthfulness, fairness, equity, and transparency,” Governor Otti stated.
He emphasized that leadership is about prioritizing the welfare of the people, highlighting his administration’s achievements, including the regular payment of salaries, road construction, and rural infrastructure development as examples of his commitment to improving the lives of Abians.
The governor reiterated the collective agreement among the governors that Ohanaeze Ndigbo must prioritize unity and foster the heritage and leadership that will propel the Igbo people to greater heights.
“I know that you will succeed. You can also count on the support of the governors, the seven of us, because we all meet, sometimes virtually.
“None of us has any personal interest. Our interest is the development and unity of our people. So, if any of us comes to you to say, ‘do something wrong,’ that person is stepping out of line.
“We all agreed that this time around, Ohanaeze should be focused on uniting the people, creating that leadership of our heritage, so that we can all do well as a people,” the governor said.
In his remarks, Senator Mbata expressed profound gratitude to Governor Otti and his colleagues for their support, which he said was instrumental in his emergence as President-General.
Earlier in his speech, Sen. Mbata thanked Governor Otti and his fellow governors for their support, which he said was instrumental in his emergence as President-General.
He said that their presence in the election of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo National Executives held on Friday, 10th January, underscores the importance they place on the Ohanaeze institution and assured that they would work closely with Governor Otti and the other six governors to pursue the common goals and interests of the Igbo nation.
“We came to register our gratitude and tell you that we will consult, collaborate, and cooperate with you all the way.
“We are hoping that we would be able to tap into your wealth of experience as somebody well-grounded in both the private and public spheres. Your approach and perspective to issues will be a lot more different,” Sen. Mbata said.
He lauded Governor Otti’s transformative leadership in Abia State, commending the prudent management of resources and the visible impact of his administration’s projects.
“I want to congratulate you on the excellent work you are doing. Abia State, in my view, is lucky to have somebody like you, especially with the experience and history of governments that have not exactly met the expectations of the people.
“You have brought a magic wand, and everybody is amazed at how the resources of the government of Abia are being put to effective use to work for the people, and everybody is seeing the results, and people are happy.
“I have known you sufficiently to know that this is exactly what is going to happen. I didn’t expect anything less,” Senator Mbata concluded.
