Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has congratulated the newly appointed Federal Commissioner representing the State at the Federal Character Commission, High Chief Victor Ikeji, describing his appointment as a strategic gain for Abia and a testament to the Federal Government’s recognition of merit.
Governor Otti made the statement on Thursday when he received the Commissioner and members of his management team during a courtesy visit at his office in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area.
The Governor expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment, noting that it reflects confidence in Abia’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to national governance.
“Let me start by congratulating you formally on your appointment as the Abia State Commissioner in the Federal Character Commission.
“I want to also thank His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for this appointment and for recognising Abia in this way.
“I want to assure him that this is one of the best decisions he made, and this appointment is appreciated by Abia people.
Governor Otti described Chief Ikeji as “a square peg in a square hole”, and expressed confidence in his ability to deliver on the Commission’s mandate of fairness, equity and justice in Federal appointments.
The Governor assured Chief Ikeji of the State Government’s readiness to collaborate with the Commission and urged him to seek support whenever necessary.
“We know that Dr. Ikeji is a square peg in a square hole, and we have no doubt that he will perform credibly well, and we are happy for you.
“We want to encourage you to put in your best and make the place a better place than you met it. We also want to assure you that we will partner with you and your team.
“Whatever it is that you require of us, please feel free to let us know”, he said.
Governor Otti who highlighted the importance of cooperation across tiers of government, stressed that effective governance depends on alignment between Federal and sub-national governments.
The Governor further underscored the need for consensus in democratic governance, noting that while disagreements may arise, collective decisions must ultimately be respected.
He reaffirmed his longstanding support for the removal of petroleum subsidy, describing it as a necessary corrective measure.
“There are a lot of decisions that are taken at the centre that we would not necessarily be part of. Sometimes we may not agree, but that is why it is a democracy.
“When you sit down and you bring up an idea and you discuss, maybe at the National Economic Council or some other bodies like that, or even Governors’ Forum, the majority will always have their way, while the minority will have their say.
“But once a decision has been taken, you have to queue up, otherwise you are not a good player. Sometimes you may not support a particular position, but you make your argument.
“Other people will also make their argument. At the end of the day, the superior argument will win. Once the superior argument wins, those who have inferior positions should align”, the Governor said.
In his speech earlier, the Federal Commissioner Representing Abia at the Federal Character Commission, High Chief Victor Ikeji described his visit as a “homecoming”, and expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for his nomination.
Chief Ikeji thanked the Governor for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to uphold the constitutional mandate of the Commission.
“Since my swearing in and assumption of office in Abuja, I have approached this responsibility with a strong commitment to representing Abia State effectively to promote fairness, equity, and balanced representation of all states in Federal appointments and opportunities.
“I have begun the process of strengthening the Commission’s presence in Abia State so that we can proactively monitor Federal appointments and ensure that our people are not left behind”, he added.
Chief Ikeji reaffirmed his alignment with the Governor’s development agenda, noting that he remains “deeply inspired by the reforms-orientated leadership” of the Otti led administration and committed to ensuring that Abia secures its rightful place in the national structure.
