The Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong, has declared that those campaigning to take over from Governor Alex Otti in 2027 are wasting their time.
Bishop Ukpong stated this on Sunday, when he hosted Governor Otti to a lunch at the Mater Dei Cathedral, Umuahia, in celebration of his impactful two years in office.
The Catholic Bishop insisted that the Governor’s remarkable achievements within two years in office has already secured the him the people’s support.
“Governor Otti’s performance has effectively campaigned for him ahead of the 2027 elections
“Already, what is happening in the social media, even comedians are using it to crack jokes so whoever is going to contest 2027 governorship election in Abia State is wasting their time.
“The Governor has campaigned for himself already through good works. So, you can just sleep, Abians will vote for you except those who don’t like good things”, Bishop Ukpong said.
The Catholic Bishop praised Governor Otti for delivering projects that were once thought impossible in Abia, citing the reconstruction of the Igwu (Omenuko) Bridge as an example.
“If we finish saying everything we are saying without mentioning Igwu (Omenuko) Bridge, then we have not started. Since I became an adult, travelling from Ohafia through Bende-Ohafia Road, once you get to Igwu Bridge, the journey becomes scary until you cross the bridge.
“But now, nobody is scared of the bridge again because of the work you have done there. Hence, we say thank you. What I thought was impossible in the past is now possible. I didn’t know that in my lifetime the bridge would be like what it is now”, he stated.
The cleric also recalled his unpleasant experience travelling to Arochukwu through Ndi-Oji Road in 2018, describing it as “a very big nightmare”, but however expressed delight that earlier this year, the same journey took him only 25 minutes due to rehabilitation works by the Otti led administration.
“So, the saying that there is no easy route to Aro has been destroyed by His Excellency. There are good roads to Aro now. His Excellency, thank you for that, we cannot start mentioning things one-by-one, just to say, you are doing well, and we are behind you,” Bishop Ukpong said.
Governor Otti, in his response, thanked the Bishop for the celebration and acknowledged the church’s critical role in his electoral victory.
“Our greatest support came from the churches”, the Governor stated.
While noting the poor state of affairs inherited from previous administrations, Governor Otti maintained that leadership is about service and stewardship, not excuses.
He disclosed that his government has repaid nearly 60% of the debts it inherited and achieved much within two years without borrowing.
On the recently approved $263 million facilities from international financial institutions, the Governor explained that the loans would only be accessed when necessary and prudently managed to accelerate people-centred projects.
