Amid growing speculation about a possible defection, Governor Alex Otti of AbIa State has firmly stated that he remains committed to the Labour Party and has no intention of leaving the party.
Speaking during the March edition of his monthly Media Parley tagged “Governor Otti Speaks”, Governor Otti said that the party’s challenges had been conclusively settled by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) complying fully with the court’s ruling.
The Governor who reiterated his commitment to the Labour Party, stressed that he has no plans to defect to any other political platform in the foreseeable future adding that the party is now stronger and better positioned for future elections.
He said; “The Labour Party had a problem, but that problem has been resolved by the Supreme Court. And INEC has also respected the decision of the Supreme Court. So maybe you haven’t followed the recent events in the party.
“The party is back on its feet and strong. As we speak, registration is going on and those who haven’t registered should please register. You still have a window to register.
“We will be having our congresses leading all the way to convention any time from now. So, in the light of this superior information, the question about defecting does not arise”.
On security, Governor Otti cautioned against profiling criminals along ethnic or regional lines, stressing that criminality should not be associated with any particular group.
He noted that perpetrators of crimes, including housebreaking, are sometimes locals, including relatives and acquaintances, rather than outsiders.
“Profiling herdsmen as coming from a particular section of the country may not be very correct.
“We do not discriminate whether you are from the North, South, East or West. If you break the law, we will treat you as an offender and if you do well, we will reward you as a good citizen”.
He further emphasised that the present administration runs an inclusive government, pointing out that individuals from across the country have been recruited into government positions based on merit.
The Governor urged residents with credible security information to report directly to relevant authorities, assuring that such reports would be treated promptly.
On the proposed establishment of a state police force, in line with federal directives, Governor Otti noted that his administration is making the necessary preparations and would implement the initiative in due course.
