“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked bear rule, the people mourn.” — Proverbs 29:2
Humanity today lives in a perilous world—aptly described as a global village marked by international conflicts, poverty, disease outbreaks, floods, and violent crimes. Global politics is increasingly shaped by narrow interests that redefine our shared humanity to favor the most powerful nations, drifting away from ideals that serve the common good of all.
At the national level in Nigeria, the narrative is not much different. While there are concerted efforts at the federal level to stabilize the economy through what experts describe as sound macroeconomic policies, the realities on the ground tell a harsher story. For the average Nigerian, the expected relief has remained elusive. Beyond economic hardship, insecurity continues to mutate—poverty, banditry, jihadist violence, wars, and other forms of crime exact a heavy toll on daily life.
Yet, in a small corner of South-East Nigeria called Abia State, a different story is unfolding.
After more than three decades of mismanagement, corruption, and ineffective leadership, a new chapter began on May 29, 2023, when Governor Alex Otti assumed office with a clear promise to wipe away the historic tears of his people. The slogan was simple yet profound: “Weep no more, help is on the way.” True to that promise, Abians stopped weeping from the very first day of his administration.
Thirty months on, it has been smiles—and more smiles.
If there is any doubt, consider this: on Saturday the 13th, Abians and non-Abians alike gathered in colorful attire to celebrate one of the state’s cultural icons, Bright Chimezie. The music was electrifying, food and drinks flowed freely, and members of PMAN alongside top comedians filled the hall with laughter. The newly rebuilt and retrofitted Dr. Michael Okpara Auditorium added grandeur to the occasion, amplifying the joy that enveloped the venue. Smiles were everywhere; laughter filled the air; fun was abundant.
This was no coincidence.
Today, events across Abia State follow the same joyful pattern. This happiness is not accidental—it is driven by deep public satisfaction with the works of Governor Otti and his efficient team. A grateful populace is expressing its contentment in laughter.
Just a day earlier, on Friday the 12th, Abia hosted a night of comedy that drew some of Nigeria’s finest comedians. Laughter flowed until ribs ached. Remarkably, the First Lady of the State, Her Excellency Mrs. Priscillia Otti, was among the high-profile guests who stayed through the event until the early hours of the morning—an uncommon but telling gesture of solidarity with the people.
The Saturday event itself was organized by the Abia State Government through the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy to honor Bright Chimezie. Earlier, notable Abians such as Paulson Kalu, Sam Ohuabunwa, Senator Chris Adighije, and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe had also been celebrated—reflecting the administration’s deliberate commitment to recognizing sons and daughters of the state who have contributed to human civilization in their own ways.
The hall erupted when Governor Otti made a surprise entrance. His presence electrified the atmosphere. If there is a governor with an organic relationship with his people, Governor Otti stands out. From the onset of his administration, it has been smiles, laughter, and shared hope between leader and people.
The peak moment came when he rose to speak. A pin-drop silence fell as the audience leaned in for his words. Then came the announcement: he had just returned from Abuja, where Abia State emerged winner of the 2025 Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge. Abia clinched the South-East zonal prize of USD 500,000. As he shared the news with the ecstatic crowd, laughter and cheers burst forth from faces already glowing with joy.
There are many other reasons Abians are smiling. Like a seasoned long-distance marathoner, Governor Otti continues to surge forward without slowing down. His end-of-year activities speak volumes: timely budget presentation, the launch of a 25-year development plan, commissioning of electric commuter buses to ease transportation challenges ,the provision of free transport to bring Abians home for Christmas and above all the timely payment of workers emoluments.As at date nearly all public sector workers in Abia have been paid the december wages plus an extra called the 13th month.This is quite a significant achievement for a people who in the locust years of Abia History most often observed the xtmas and new year festivities without being paid their salaries.A situation t which discerning writers of that era often dubbed as ‘black xtmas’
Today, smiles define the faces of Abians—from the keke driver to the bus driver, from the street vendor to the industrialist.From the Aba shoe manufacturer to the village farmer,it is same smiles.Governor Otti has lifted a historical burden, wiped off the tears and replaced it with smiles.
Indeed, the timeless biblical truth rings true once more: when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.
By Hon. Jones Nnanna Ike
GM/Editor-In-Chief
Abia Newspaper & Publishing Corporation
