The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Abia State Chapter has risen in strong defence of Governor Alex Otti against criticisms of alleged poor performance, declaring that the Governor’s “footprints speak clearly and visibly across the 17 Local Government Areas of the State”.
The ALGON stated this in a communique signed by its State Chairman, who is also the Chairman of Isiukwuato Local Government Area, Hon Chinedu Ekeke, after a meeting of the Association.
Reading the Communiqué on Friday at a Press briefing in Umuahia, Hon Ekeke who was flanked by Chairman of the Local Government Areas in Abia State, expressed concern over recent public statements and meetings convened by individuals the Association described as “architects of failed past administrations”.
Hon Ekeke said that the statements and meetings by these political actors questioned the tenure and political future of Gov. Alex Otti.
He added that ALGON could be regarded as custodians of grassroots governance, and its members could attest to growing public confidence in Governor Otti’s direction of governance.
Hon Ekeke stressed that leadership in a democratic system could be determined by performance and the freely expressed will of the electorate through credible elections, not by political pronouncements or speculative rhetoric.
According to the ALGON Chairman, the former Civilian Governors and their associates were unsettled by the visible progress currently being recorded in the State.
He cited improvements in road infrastructure, healthcare and educational facilities, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, and prudent management of public resources as some of the present administration’s visible achievements.
Part of the fourteen-point communiqué issued at the end of the meeting of the Mayors, and signed by the State ALGON Chairman, reads: “That Governor Otti’s records speak clearly and visibly across all seventeen Local Government Areas.
“Since assumption of office, the administration of Governor Alex Otti has demonstrated clear commitment to good governance, fiscal responsibility and service delivery, with verifiable improvements recorded across the seventeen Local Government Areas in recovery, rehabilitation and construction of roads, healthcare and educational facilities, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, clearing of backlog of salaries and prudent n management of public resources”.
The ALGON Chairman further observed that in the past, many citizens were hesitant to openly identify with Abia State due to what it described as years of institutional decline.
He added that there is now renewed pride among Abians at home and in the diaspora, which he said reflects restored confidence in the State’s leadership and public image.
The ALGON Chairman therefore called on political actors in the State to desist from making divisive and distracting statements capable of heating up the polity.
Hon Ekeke urged political actors to engage constructively by offering ideas and alternative visions that would promote development, unity and stability in the State.
He said that while ALGON recognised the constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of expression and political association, public discourse must be guided by facts and not falsehoods, exaggerations or revisionist narratives.
“Public discourse must be approached with facts, not falsehoods, exaggerations or revisionist narratives.
“ALGON Abia State will always elevate public engagement, recognising the common saying that fact are sacred.
“ALGON Abia State considers it inappropriate for any individual or group to attempt or pre-empt the democratic process or undermine the visible progress being recorded in Abia through speculative political rhetoric.
“It is apparent that the unease behind these statements arises not from poor governance, but from the stark contrast between Governor Otti’s achievements and abysmal record of past administrations.
“Every project executed, every service delivered and every reform implemented under his leadership sets a new standard of governance.
“This standard has unsettled the standards of previous tenures which left Abia with unmet needs and unfulfilled promises.
“ALGON Abia calls on all political actors, past and present, to engage constructively by presenting ideas, policies and alternative visions capable of advancing development, unity and stability in Abia rather than resorting to divisive or distracting statements”, he said.
The ALGON Chairman reaffirmed the commitment of it’s members to supporting policies and programmes that strengthen local governance and improve the quality of life of citizens.
Hon Ekeke also expressed that ALGON appreciates the Otti led Government for what it described as strong collaboration between the State and Local Governments.
He said that the Association also unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the Governor Otti and pledged its collective support for his re-election in 2027.
Hon Ekeke said that the Association’s decision to support Governor Otti was informed by his demonstrable performance, purposeful leadership, and commitment to restoring integrity, efficiency and effective service delivery to the people of Abia State.
