With the impressive level of achievements recorded so far by the Otti administration, just within two and half years, the darkness of the last 24 years of the State during which the PDP-led governments held sway, has been starkly brought to the fore. Having been accustomed to bad governance, a vast majority of Abians never thought the ongoing infrastructural revolution in the State was possible. To the delight of the people, the jinx of underdevelopment and mal-administration has been totally shattered by Dr. Alex Otti, thereby making it extremely difficult for the retired political cabals and godfathers to reclaim power in the state anymore.

It is, therefore, not surprising that all the good people of Abia and well-meaning Nigerians are unanimous in their demand for Otti to seek re-election in 2027 so that he would continue with his good works. It will be recalled that earlier in the New Year, the first Military Administrator of Abia State, Air Vice Marshal Frank Ajobena (Rtd) paid a courtesy visit to Governor Otti at his country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA.

Speaking to the press after the visit, Ajobena was effusive with praise for the incredible job Otti has done to develop and reposition Abia for greatness. He described Otti as a change agent who has done so much to change the face of Umuahia, turning it into a city befitting its status as a state capital. He also gave him kudos for the economic turn-around in Aba, the commercial hub of the state.

After Ajobena`s visit, many groups have been meeting with the governor and reassuring him of their collective support in his 2027 re-election bid. One of such groups was a delegation of the Abiriba Community Improvement Union (ACIU) which met with the governor recently. They commended Otti for all his efforts to change the hitherto bad narratives on Abia State and assured him of their support in 2027. One of the leaders of the delegation and a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, spoke in glowing terms about the transformational leadership of Otti, saying that Otti`s accomplishments within two years have surpassed the contributions of the combined tenures of Orji Uzor Kalu, Theodore Orji and Okezie Ikpeazu.

A few days ago, the people of Ukwa and Ngwa in Abia South Senatorial zone similarly gave their backing to Otti to seek re-election in 2027, assuring him of their unflinching support. In a civic reception they organized at Aba Township Stadium in honor of the governor, and which was attended by a mammoth crowd, the Ukwa La Ngwa group raised the sum of One Hundred Million Naira (N100,000,000) to purchase gubernatorial nomination form for the governor. This is an unprecedented gesture which underscores the implicit confidence and trust of the people in the impeccable performance of Governor Otti.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman of the event and a former Senate President, Chief Adolphus Wabara, commended Otti for his superlative performance. He vowed that no individual, group or cabal would be allowed to determine the political destiny of Abia State in 2027. In his reaction to the recent threats by a coalition of the former governors of the State to block Otti`s second term bid and deliver Abia to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Wabara warned that the inglorious era of a few individuals imposing a leader on the State was “irretrievably gone”.

‘Leadership must be earned through competence, credibility and track record, and not imposed through manipulation and selfish interests. No cabal will decide Abia`s political destiny”, Wabara pointedly stated.

The position of the former Senate President, who is presently the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP is widely shared by all well-meaning people of the state. Those former cabals who brought Abia down on its knees would be forcibly retired by the electorate to their various hamlets in 2027, thus marking the end of prebendal politics in Abia State.

The people of Abia suffered tremendously in the hands of these godless godfathers in the last 24 years. They must not be allowed to reverse our current gains and re-launch the state on the path of infamy. All hands must be on the deck to ensure that these mindless cabals are booted out in 2027.
Afflictions shall never be allowed to occur twice.

May Abia continue to prevail!

By Emeka Nwosu, PhD.

Dr. Nwosu, a Public Affairs Analyst, writes from Umuahia.
Email: cdnwosu2@gmail.com

The post TOWARDS 2027: ENDING THE REIGN OF CABALS IN ABIA POLITICS first appeared on National Ambassador News.

Voices from Nvosi

The bell does not ring by accident.
It rings to announce an hour long awaited, a moment earned, a turning of seasons. And as
its clear note travels across hills and homesteads of Ukwa La Ngwa land, it carries more than sound—it carries memory, struggle, resolve, and hope.

For Ukwa La Ngwa, the bell rings today for a son whose journey mirrors the story of a people who refused to be defined by the margins of history. It rings for Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR—a son of the soil whose footsteps, once quiet and determined, now echo across Abia State with purpose and promise.

From Roots to Resolve

Ukwa La Ngwa has always been a land of industrious people—farmers, traders, thinkers, builders—men and women who understand that dignity is found in labour and that tomorrow is shaped by discipline today. From these roots emerged Alex Otti: shaped by community values, sharpened by education, and guided by an unyielding belief that excellence is not optional but necessary.

Long before public office, his life spoke the language of preparation—academic distinction, professional excellence, and national service. He learned early that leadership is not noise but clarity; not privilege but responsibility.

The Bell of Accountability

When Dr. Otti assumed the mantle of leadership in Abia State, the bell rang again—this time as a summons to accountability. For too long, Abia had waited at the threshold of its potential, rich in talent yet constrained by systems that failed to serve the people.

What followed was not magic, but method.
Not rhetoric, but reform.

The bell rang in ministries where diligence replaced complacency.
It rang in public finance, where transparency became policy rather than promise.
It rang in infrastructure planning, where roads, urban renewal, and public spaces began to reflect order, safety, and economic sense.
It rang in governance culture, where merit, discipline, and service regained their place.

Reshaping Fortunes, Restoring Trust

Perhaps the most profound change has not been concrete or steel, but confidence. Markets began to breathe again. Investors started to look twice. Civil servants rediscovered pride in process. Citizens, long accustomed to lowered expectations, began to believe that government could indeed work.

Dr. Otti’s strides have been deliberate—anchored on sustainability, fiscal prudence, and institutional rebuilding. His approach speaks to tomorrow as much as today: a state that grows without mortgaging its future; development that empowers people rather than indebting generations.

A Son, Still Grounded

Yet, even as the bell rings across Abia, it rings especially loud in Ukwa La Ngwa. For here stands not just a governor, but a son who understands where he comes from—and why it matters. His story reminds young people in villages and towns that origin is not limitation. That preparation meets opportunity. That integrity still matters. That one can rise without forgetting the path that shaped them.

Ukwa La Ngwa celebrates not merely achievement, but representation with responsibility.

The Bell Still Rings

This is not an ending. Bells do not ring to close stories—they ring to mark time, to awaken resolve, to signal continuity. The journey of reshaping Abia is ongoing, and history will record its chapters with fairness and depth.

But today, as the bell rings, it rings with gratitude.
With pride.
With cautious optimism rooted in visible change.

It rings to say that a people are witnessing leadership that listens, plans, and acts.
It rings to say that Abia’s fortunes are being realigned toward sustainable growth and
shared prosperity.
And it rings to remind us all that when purpose meets preparation, even long-silent bells will sound again.

As the bell rings on 30th January 2026, let us stand tall celebrating our son, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, and his renewed promise to Abia State at the Enyimba International Stadium.

Written by Prof. J U Ogbonna, a proud son of Nvosi

The post As The Bell Rings – Celebrating our son Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR first appeared on National Ambassador News.

The recent controversy in Abia State, where former governors have reportedly threatened legal action over Governor Alex Otti’s decision to function substantially from Nvosi rather than the Umuahia Government House, has reopened a long-standing debate in public administration: does physical location define performance, legitimacy, or legality in governance?

This brief argues that it does not. Drawing from constitutional principles, public administration theory, and emerging governance indicators in Abia State, it contends that leadership performance should be assessed by outcomes, institutional reforms, and service delivery, but not by the address from which executive duties are discharged.

Container vs Content: A Governance Lens

The container represents the physical and symbolic spaces of governance: government houses, offices, and administrative headquarters. These spaces provide continuity, visibility, and ceremonial legitimacy.

The content, however, is the substance of governance: policy decisions, institutional
coordination, fiscal management, transparency, and impact on citizens’ lives.

Effective governance depends on content. Containers may house power, but they do not exercise it. History shows that governments frequently operate from alternative locations during transitions, renovations, emergencies, or security concerns without losing authority or effectiveness.

Legal and Constitutional Perspective

A critical issue in the Abia debate is legality. Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) does not prescribe a mandatory physical location from which a governor must perform executive functions daily. Section 176 establishes the office of the Governor, while Sections 191–193 outline executive authority, delegation, and administration, but none condition the exercise of power on residence or continuous physical presence in a particular government house.

What the Constitution requires is:

• • A valid electoral mandate
  • Oath of office
  • Adherence to constitutional processes
  • Governance through duly constituted institutions

As long as executive actions like appointments, approvals, policies, and directives are lawful and channelled through recognised institutions of state, their validity does not hinge on geography.

Even within Nigeria’s federal practice, presidents, governors, and ministers routinely conduct official business from alternative locations: private residences, official lodges, or temporary offices. Courts have consistently prioritised authority and due process over physical setting.

Therefore, legal arguments centred solely on location risk are weak unless they can demonstrate constitutional breach, exclusion of institutions, or denial of access to governance.

Abia State: Shifting the Focus to Performance

Rather than reducing governance to symbolism, public discourse in Abia State should interrogate performance indicators. Since 2023, public narratives around Abia governance have increasingly focused on:

• • Fiscal discipline and transparency: Reduction in wasteful spending, improved salary and pension payments, and clearer public finance communication.
  • Infrastructure rehabilitation: Visible road reconstruction projects, particularly in Aba and Umuahia, addressing years of urban decay.
  • Public sector reforms: Renewed emphasis on accountability, verification exercises, and institutional clean-up.
  • Ease of doing business: Renewed engagement with traders, SMEs, and industrial
    clusters in Aba, Nigeria’s historic manufacturing hub.

These indicators, whether one agrees with their pace or scale, are the appropriate metrics for assessing governance effectiveness. None is inherently dependent on a governor’s physical base of operation.

Symbolism vs Development Outcomes

The Umuahia Government House carries symbolic importance as the administrative heart of Abia State. However, symbolism should reinforce governance, not replace it. When debates over buildings eclipse discussions about roads, schools, healthcare, jobs, and security, governance becomes performative.

Policy history is replete with examples where leaders occupied prestigious offices while institutions decayed. Conversely, reform-minded administrations have delivered impact despite operating from modest or unconventional settings.

In this light, insisting that effectiveness flows from physical presence risks mistaking form for function.

Risks of Over-Politicising Location

An excessive fixation on location poses several risks:

• • Diverts public attention from substantive policy outcomes
  • Encourages legal theatrics over governance improvement
  • Reinforces elite competition over symbols rather than service delivery
  • Undermines adaptive governance in evolving urban and administrative contexts

For a state seeking recovery, investment, and public trust, these distractions are costly.

However, physical location may support administrative convenience, but it does not confer legitimacy on its own. Governance legitimacy is earned daily through decisions and outcomes.

Conclusion: Reframing the Debate

The Abia State controversy offers a teachable moment. Governance should not be reduced to architecture or geography. While government houses matter symbolically, they do not deliver development.

The container–content framework reminds us that performance lives in systems, policies, and accountability and not buildings. If Abia State is to move forward, public discourse must pivot from where the governor sits to what the government delivers.

Ultimately, history will judge leadership not by the coordinates of power, but by the quality of governance it produced.

Abia on the move……………….

By J U Ogbonna
A Proud son of Umungalagu Nvosi and Public Analyst

The post Container–Content Relationships: Why Location Does Not Define Performance in Governance – Abia State Context first appeared on National Ambassador News.

Geographically, Obeaku-Ndoki’s nautical distance to the Atlantic Ocean is shorter than that of established ports such as Port Harcourt. This is not a matter of speculation but an overlooked geographical fact. Despite this enviable proximity, the community’s potential has remained largely untapped, its natural advantages buried under years of infrastructural neglect and political inattention.

A Sleeping Deep-Sea Port Opportunity

Experts and community advocates envision a radically different reality: a deep-sea port in Obeaku-Ndoki that would immediately shift the economic landscape of the South-East and parts of the South-South. With its strategic location, the community could serve as a direct export and import channel for the region’s major industrial and commercial centres — Aba, Nnewi, and Onitsha.

Such a port would:

• Reduce reliance on Lagos and Rivers State ports
• Cut transportation costs and transit times
• Stimulate manufacturing and industrial expansion
• Create thousands of direct and indirect jobs
• Unlock new trade routes and investment inflows

The ripple effect would extend beyond Abia State, boosting regional economic integration, strengthening supply chains, and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in global maritime trade.

A Community Rich in Promise but Poor in Infrastructure

Instead of cranes, terminals, and cargo vessels, Obeaku-Ndoki’s coastline is currently home to fishing boats and unfulfilled expectations. The area lacks the basic infrastructure needed to catalyse its transformation — a clear reflection of the longstanding marginalisation experienced by many Ndoki communities.

Despite being naturally connected to waterways that lead to the Atlantic, the region has seen minimal development support from both state and federal governments. The result is a vast economic opportunity left to gather dust while Nigeria continues to grapple with congested, overstretched port systems elsewhere.

A National Irony and a Policy Failure

The contrast is stark: while Onne Port struggles with infrastructural decay, capacity shortfalls, and chronic congestion, Obeaku-Ndoki — closer to the ocean in nautical terms — lies dormant. This irony, stakeholders say, should provoke urgent reassessment of Nigeria’s maritime development priorities.

Why spend billions expanding Lagos and Onne when a naturally suitable maritime corridor in Abia State remains sidelined? Why centralize maritime commerce in already struggling hubs when decentralization could democratize economic opportunities and reduce pressure on existing ports?

A Call for Visionary Leadership

Obeaku-Ndoki is not seeking handouts. It is demanding recognition — recognition of its strategic value, its potential to drive regional growth, and its right to equitable development. Realising this potential requires bold leadership willing to break old patterns and embrace new possibilities.

Key investments needed include:

• Dredging the waterways
• Building modern port terminals
• Establishing connecting road and rail infrastructure
• Implementing supportive trade and investment policies

With these, Ndoki could quickly evolve from an obscure coastal community into a dominant maritime gateway for Nigeria and West Africa.

Time Is Running Out

Obeaku-Ndoki is a sleeping seaport giant — closer to the Atlantic than many imagine, rich in untapped potential, yet still treated as an afterthought in national planning. As Nigeria searches for solutions to its port congestion and seeks to stimulate regional economies, the question is no longer whether Obeaku-Ndoki has the potential to transform the country’s maritime landscape.

The real question, as posed by Ijere Johnmartins, Publicity Secretary of the Ndoki Union Youth Wing, is simple and urgent:

How much longer will Nigeria ignore one of its greatest strategic maritime opportunities?

By Chukwuemeka Egejuru

The post Obeaku-Ndoki: Nigeria’s Overlooked Gateway to the Atlantic first appeared on National Ambassador News.

At the heart of this transformation is the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), led by the energetic and results-driven Mr. Ogbonnia Okereke. Under his watch, ASEPA has moved beyond just collecting garbage it’s now helping people see waste as a resource and cleanliness as a shared responsibility.

A key part of this shift is the return of house-to-house environmental inspections across all 17 local government areas. As part of the “Keep Abia State Clean” campaign, ASEPA officers visit homes and businesses to check if surroundings are clean and waste is properly managed. The goal is simple: protect public health and encourage responsibility. Those who refuse to keep their premises clean faces legal action because in the new Abia, cleanliness is everyone’s duty.

Industries are not left out either. In a proactive move, ASEPA has already begun its 2025 Industrial Inspection Visits earlier than in past years to ensure factories and businesses follow environmental rules on waste disposal, emissions, and effluent treatment. This helps keep Abia’s air and water clean and ensures that companies operate as responsible corporate citizens.

But what truly sets this administration apart is its focus on turning waste into value. In Aba and Umuahia, recycling hubs are already up and running thanks to partnerships with the Food & Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) and support from Coca-Cola and the Ford Foundation. These centers collect plastic waste and turn it into raw materials for new products, creating jobs and reducing pollution at the same time.

And the plan is growing. A new recycling hub is coming to the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture in Umudike, and ASEPA is working closely with local waste collectors known as aggregators to organize and support their work. Even companies like GZ Industries are stepping in to provide uniforms and tools for sanitation workers, showing how public and private efforts can work hand in hand.

To make all this sustainable, the state has introduced fair sanitation fees for households and businesses, with easy payment options through banks and the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue. At the same time, ASEPA is rolling out a smarter waste collection system that picks up trash right from your doorstep making it easier for everyone to stay clean.

Today in Abia, every plastic bottle, every scrap of paper, and every cleaned compound isn’t just part of a cleanup it’s a step toward wealth, health, and pride.

All of these efforts show that Governor Otti’s vision is not just about sweeping streets it’s about building a new culture of cleanliness, accountability, and innovation. Abia is proving that change is possible when leadership meets action. The state is building a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future one where waste is no longer wasted.

Written by Onyinyechi Obi

The post From Trash to Treasure: Abia’s Waste-to-Wealth Initiative Sparks a Cleaner, Greener Future first appeared on National Ambassador News.

Everyone in abia knows that the PDP, after eight years in power in Abia State, has no moral right to criticise anyone especially Dr. Alex Otti about good governance. Their record in office speaks for itself: broken promises, failed projects, and neglect of the people’s welfare.

For many years in the past abia PDP government, Abians watched their state fall into decay. Roads that were once passable became dangerous and full of potholes. Workers went for months without salaries, pensioners were forgotten, and schools and hospitals were left in poor condition.Those in power simply looked away.

The pain from those years is still fresh in the minds of Ndi Abia. Families struggled to survive, businesses closed down, and Aba once a proud industrial city lost its shine. Many people lost hope and stopped believing that government could make a difference.

That is why it feels both surprising and funny to hear the same people who caused the suffering now criticising Dr. Alex Otti’s administration. How can those who failed to serve the people suddenly act like experts on good governance? The irony is too clear to ignore.

Governor Alex Otti met a state that was broken in every way financially, morally, and structurally. From his first day in office, he started the tough job of rebuilding. Roads that had been abandoned for years are now being repaired. Workers and pensioners are being paid regularly. For the first time in a long while, Abians can feel that their government truly cares about them.

Of course, criticism is a normal part of democracy. It helps keep leaders accountable and reminds them to serve the people honestly. But such criticism only matters when it comes from people with clean hands and sincere intentions. Those who failed in leadership cannot now pretend to be moral judges.

The PDP in Abia, burdened by its poor record, has not earned that right. The signs of their failure are still everywhere from unpaid workers to unfinished projects and neglected communities. Before pointing fingers, they should first accept responsibility for the pain they caused. Until they apologise and admit their mistakes, their words will continue to sound empty and selfish.

Ndi Abia have made up their minds never to return to those dark days of unpaid salaries, abandoned pensions, and empty promises. They have suffered enough under leaders who only remembered them during elections.

Today, Abians are seeing a new kind of leadership under Dr. Alex Otti one that is transparent, accountable, and focused on meeting the real needs of the people. The message is clear: Ndi Abia will no longer settle for talk without results. They want progress, honesty, and a government that delivers.

It is funny that the very people who mismanaged Abia for many years are now the loudest critics of Dr. Otti’s efforts to rebuild the state. For a long time, they had the chance to make things better but instead left behind a legacy of poor governance, unpaid workers, and broken infrastructure. Now that real change is finally taking place, they act as though they suddenly have the solutions. How can those who caused the problems claim to know how to fix them? True leadership means taking responsibility and supporting progress, not standing in the way of it.

The truth is simple: moral authority is not inherited it is earned. Those who buried Abia in debt and underdevelopment have no right to lecture the man working hard to rebuild it. True leadership is shown through honesty, dedication, and service to the people not through empty words.

Abians know where they have come from, and they can see the difference today. The days of deceit, empty promises, and failed leadership are over. The people now demand action and results.

Today, the voice of the people is louder and stronger than the noise of failed politicians. Abians are alert, informed, and ready to hold their leaders accountable so that the mistakes of the past are never repeated.

By Okechukwu Ubani

The post When Failures Complain: The Irony of Abia PDP Critics first appeared on National Ambassador News.

However, when the opposition forgets this role and focuses only on attacking the government without offering real solutions, it becomes a problem. Instead of helping the people, they spread false stories and create confusion just to gain attention. This does not help the state it only weakens public trust.

The people of Abia deserve better. They want leaders both in government and opposition who listen to them, understand their struggles, and bring real solutions to the table. Good governance is not only the job of those in power; a responsible opposition is just as important.

Sadly, what we see from the abia opposition today is far from responsible. Instead of engaging in real discussions or offering helpful ideas, they focus on lies, rumors, and attention-grabbing posts on social media. It appears they care more about headlines than helping the people they claim to represent and love.

Many Abians are not fooled. They are smart and politically aware. They see the difference between truth and propaganda. Sharing fake news and misleading stories insults the intelligence of voters and pushes them away. Rather than gaining support, the opposition is creating more distrust.

This kind of behavior also affects the political environment in the state. When politics turns into name-calling and misinformation, it creates division and discourages people from participating. Over time, this can weaken democracy, as fewer people will be interested in elections or civic duties.

What’s even more disappointing is that while Governor Dr. Alex Otti is working hard to improve the lives of Ndi Abia, the opposition seems more focused on attacking him online. They chase viral content and petty drama instead of offering real alternatives. This shows how disconnected they are from the daily needs of the people.

Leadership is about service, not noise. Real leaders do the work building roads, improving schools, creating jobs, and solving problems. Empty criticism doesn’t bring development. The people can see who is truly working and who is just talking.

If the opposition wants to stay relevant, they must grow up politically. They need to act responsibly, respect the people, and contribute in meaningful ways. Abia deserves mature and focused leadership from all sides not just noise from the sidelines.

Good leadership means solving problems, not creating distractions. The opposition should be asking hard questions, offering detailed ideas, and holding the government accountable in a respectful and productive way. But instead, they seem more interested in chasing clout and popularity.

False claims might get attention for a moment, but they do not build trust. Trust comes from honesty, consistency, and a strong commitment to the truth. If the opposition truly wants to win the hearts of Ndi Abia, they must change their behavior. Stop the lies. Stop the drama. Start doing the real work of leadership.

Real leadership is not easy. It takes courage, patience, and dedication. It means putting people first and making tough choices. Dr. Alex Otti has shown this kind of leadership and it’s time others follow that example.

If the opposition wants to make a difference, they must focus on real solutions. They should listen to the people, understand their needs, and work together to build a better Abia. That is the kind of leadership we need now.

It’s important to remind the opposition that elections are not won through noise or lies on social media they are won by earning the trust of the people. If they continue to act irresponsibly, they may lose all relevance. The people of Abia are watching, and they deserve leaders who respect them and understand their daily challenges.

A true leader listens and takes action. Loud speeches and online drama mean nothing without real results. Abia needs leaders who serve with humility and purpose.

In the end, leadership is not about chasing power it’s about gaining and keeping the trust of the people. And once trust is broken, it’s hard to win it back. The opposition must return to the basics: be honest, focus on real problems, and put the people first.

True leadership is about building, not tearing down. It’s about improving lives, not just making noise. The people of Abia are watching closely, and they deserve leaders who lead with truth and purpose.

Abia deserves better. The people need leaders who speak the truth, not lies; who build, not destroy; and who serve the people not their egos. The time for petty politics is over. Now is the time for real progress.

Abia has great potential. But that future can only be achieved with the right kind of leadership. Thankfully, Governor Alex Otti is showing what is possible with honest, hardworking, and visionary leadership. If we all work together, we can build a brighter future for Ndi Abia.

By Okechukwu Ubani

The post When Politics Turns to Propaganda: Abia’s Opposition Tactics first appeared on National Ambassador News.

Ordinarily, one would have ignored the piece for what it is — a bundle of falsehoods and deliberate distortions — but for the credible platform that published it. Since lies, when repeated often enough, tend to assume the garb of truth, it becomes necessary to set the record straight.

A Poor Attempt at Political Revisionism

The thrust of Elder Amah’s article — written under the guise of a “public affairs analyst,” though he remains the long-standing Chairman of the Abia State PDP — is a weak attempt to diminish Governor Alex Otti’s widely acclaimed performance in Abia State. Simultaneously, it tries to glorify President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies in a manner aimed at suggesting a rift between the Otti-led State Administration and the Tinubu-led Federal Government — a claim that is completely unfounded.

The Truth About Abia’s Relationship with the Federal Government

Contrary to Amah’s insinuations, Governor Alex Otti holds President Tinubu in the highest regard, and that respect is mutual. Despite partisan differences, both leaders share a cordial and cooperative working relationship.

It was within this spirit of mutual respect that President Tinubu was invited to commission landmark projects such as the six-lane Port Harcourt Road, reconstructed by Julius Berger, and the rebuilt Michael Okpara Auditorium. The President’s absence at these events was due to an equally pressing national engagement in Jos, and he was ably represented by the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi.

Through his representative, President Tinubu commended Governor Otti for the remarkable transformation taking place in Abia since May 29, 2023. Similar commendations have come from other objective leaders who have visited the state and witnessed the New Abia firsthand.

The People’s Verdict: The Real Endorsement

While President Tinubu’s praise is well appreciated, the truest endorsement came from the people themselves. The mammoth, well-disciplined crowd that graced the commissioning ceremonies spoke louder than any political commentary. Their joyful participation was a clear testament to the people’s approval of Governor Otti’s leadership and performance. That — and not any concocted narrative — is the Abia Reality.

Amah’s Fabricated Figures and False Claims

Elder Amah overreached himself when he paraded fabricated figures on Abia’s FAAC allocations in a bid to discredit the Otti administration. Contrary to his claim that Abia receives an average of ₦35 billion monthly, official data from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (readily verifiable on their website) shows that Abia’s combined FAAC and JAAC allocations between January and June 2025 ranged between ₦18 billion and ₦22 billion. The lowest figure, ₦18 billion, was recorded in January, while the highest, ₦22 billion, came in February.

The obvious question, therefore, is: From where did Elder Amah conjure his ₦35 billion figure?

Even then, it is common knowledge that the recent increase in FAAC allocations coincided with the massive devaluation of the naira, which has drastically inflated the cost of construction materials and project execution. The financial burden has further been compounded by the implementation of the new minimum wage.

Hypocrisy and Opportunism in Disguise

Ironically, while Amah attempted to malign Governor Otti, he inadvertently admitted to the “monumental transformations” that have taken place under this administration — feats the PDP could not achieve in sixteen long years of governance under his leadership as both Vice-Chairman and Chairman.

It is therefore curious that a man who still presides over the remnants of the Abia PDP has suddenly transformed into a praise-singer of the ruling APC, while completely ignoring the dismal record of his own party. The reason is not far-fetched: Elder Amah’s politics thrives on opportunism, falsehood, and nostalgia for the locust years when a privileged few fed fat while Abia bled from mismanagement and corruption.

But such retrogressive politics has no place in the New Abia that Governor Otti is building — an Abia anchored on merit, transparency, innovation, and the public good. Amah and his ilk belong to the past. Abians have moved on. They have left Egypt — and that is the present Abia Reality.

The New Abia: Visible Transformations Everywhere

Elder Amah queried what Abia has done with its inflows. The answer is simple — look around. The evidence of transformation is visible in every sector:

• Modern roads and infrastructure,
• Revitalized healthcare and education systems,
• Agricultural revival,
• Improved security and commerce,
• A smart, merit-driven governance framework,
• And a new spirit of accountability and hope.

These achievements, often referred to as the Abia Miracle, are the direct result of Governor Otti’s unwavering commitment to fiscal discipline, prudent management of resources, and a people-centered approach to governance.

From the ruins of the past, a new and vibrant Abia is rising — one that reflects vision, accountability, and the collective will of her people.

By Chief Jones Nnanna Ike
General Manager, Abia Newspapers and Publishing Corporation
E-mail: jonesike556@gmail.com

The post Amah’s Delusional Tales and the Abia Reality first appeared on National Ambassador News.

Since becoming governor in 2023 under the Labour Party, Dr. Otti has quickly become a symbol of real change. People in Aba, who used to doubt government promises, are now openly showing their support. To them, he’s not just another politician he represents an end to 24 years of failed leadership.

If you walk through Ariaria Market,highlife market,Ngwa Road, Port Harcourt Road, Ehi Road, or Osisioma,market road, Clifford road, Azikiwe road, hospital road, jubilee road you’ll hear the same thing from traders, workers, artisans, and students:“Otti is working.

“This is the first time we’re seeing real action, not just words,” says Onyekachi Okoro, a shoemaker from Ngwa Road.“He’s proving that the government can actually work for the people.”

Amarachi Ukagbu, a student from Port Harcourt Road, agrees,“You can see the difference. He rebuilt our road and even added street lights. We love Dr. Alex Otti. He should go for another four years.”

Aba was once called the “Japan of Africa” because of its creative industries. But for years, it suffered from bad roads, poor drainage, and no waste management. Even though Aba brings in a lot of money for the state and Nigeria, past governments ignored it.

Leaders made big promises but never delivered. People felt forgotten until now.

When Dr. Otti, a former bank boss and economist, became governor, people were hopeful but unsure. Now, just over a year later, that doubt is turning into trust.

Roads that were abandoned for years are now being rebuilt with proper drainage. Big projects are back on track. Solar street lights now brighten once dark areas. Trash is being cleared, and proper town planning is happening.

“Aba is finally starting to look like a place people should live in,” says Ifeoma Nnaji, a teacher from Faulks Road.“We used to feel invisible. Now, things are changing.”

Dr. Otti’s government is also open and honest. From signboards on projects to town hall meetings, people can now see how money is being spent. This kind of transparency is rare in Nigerian politics.

What’s happening in Aba isn’t just about infrastructure it’s about how people feel. For a city that has felt ignored for so long, the changes are deeply personal. People now feel seen, heard, and valued.

Young business owners are hopeful again. Artisans believe help is possible. Civil servants are getting paid on time. For once, government feels real.

October 3rd: A Day Aba Won’t Forget

On October 3, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, came to Aba to open several road projects constructed by Governor Otti.

But something unexpected happened the people of Aba turned it into a celebration of Governor Otti.

From early morning, the city came alive. Thousands of people market women, workers, students, and elders came out not just to welcome the president, but to show love for the governor they believe in.

As the president’s convoy moved through Port Harcourt Road, chants of “Otti! Otti!! Otti!!!” filled the air. People called him “the Light of Abia” and “Thank You, Governor Otti.” Many danced, waved, and lifted there hands in appreciation.

This wasn’t planned. It was real, heartfelt, and powerful. The people of Aba were saying “thank you” the loudest way they could.

Even President Tinubu’s representative was clearly moved by the crowd. During his speech, he paused to recognize the love Aba showed for Otti.

As he and Governor Otti walked through the streets to commission the roads, the cheers were thunderous. Every time Otti spoke, the crowd roared. It was clear: Aba has found its hero not because of politics, but because of visible results.

“It’s rare to see this kind of love for a governor,” said Mrs. Nnenna Eze, a retired teacher.“It reminds me of the Mbakwe days. People aren’t being paid to clap. This is real love. This is true leadership.”

On that day, Aba wasn’t just celebrating roads. They were celebrating a governor who listens, delivers, and respects them.

“He’s quiet, but his work speaks loudly,” says Chinedu, a keke rider on Milverton Avenue.“We don’t need noise. We need action and that’s what he’s giving us.”

Aba still faces many problems youth unemployment, pollution, and years of neglect. But now, people feel that someone is listening and trying to fix things.

“We finally have a governor who remembers us,” said Mazi Uche, a business owner in Cemetery Market.“We’ll support him all the way.”

Chukwuemeka, another keke driver, said:“Otti is a people’s governor. We voted for him, and he hasn’t let us down.”

In a country where many politicians make promises and fail, Governor Otti’s success stands out. People support him not because of handouts, but because of real, visible work and honest leadership.

For Aba a city known for its hard work and creativity Otti’s time in office means more than politics. It means dignity, hope, and a new belief that true change is possible.

And for many people, that may be the most important thing he’s given them.

By Okechukwu Ubani

The post Aba’s Love for Alex Otti Shows a New Beginning in Abia first appeared on National Ambassador News.

It’s no longer story that for decades, Abia was a state overshadowed by neglect, with its people yearning for genuine leadership. But under Governor Otti, that story is changing. What once seemed impossible is now visible across the land, roads being rebuilt to global standards, bridges rising where decay once stood and monumental projects placing Abia in the same breath with developed societies. His vision has moved Abia from the periphery of promise into the mainstream of progress.

When Franklin D. Roosevelt declared in the throes of the Great Depression that “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” he was speaking to a nation that needed courage to move forward. In much the same way, Dr. Alex Otti has confronted the fears and doubts of governance in Abia. Instead of excuses, he has chosen action. Instead of rhetoric, he has delivered tangible results.

One of those results is the magnificent projects recently commissioned in the state, a symbol of modernity and pride. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, stood to formally open it to the people. That event was more than a routine commissioning; it was a statement to the world that Abia has arrived at a new era, one anchored on sustainable and purposeful development.

This achievement reflects a pattern seen throughout history in societies that dared to dream. In America, President John F. Kennedy’s call for a “moonshot” redefined the boundaries of possibility. In Germany, the Autobahn reshaped economic life. In Japan, the Shinkansen brought speed and innovation. In similar fashion, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti infrastructural revolution is shaping Abia’s destiny, offering the people a vision that transcends today and secures tomorrow.

But Governor Otti’s leadership has not only won local admiration; it has captured international recognition. Recently, the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr., described him as the best-performing governor in the country. For Abians, that endorsement is more than praise it is validation before the international community. It tells the world that Abia is no longer a forgotten corner but a rising model of governance.

The importance of this recognition cannot be overstated. Nations value credibility, and when an American envoy points to Dr. Alex Otti as a shining example, it reshapes how Abians are perceived globally. For students seeking international scholarships, entrepreneurs pursuing business partnerships, and citizens applying for visas, the reputation of their governor as a transparent and effective leader makes doors easier to open. Excellence, after all, travels across borders.

As Winston Churchill once said, “History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it.” Governor Otti, through his governance, is writing Abia’s history in bold letters of integrity, performance, and vision. He is demonstrating that government can be a servant of the people rather than a burden on them. His projects are not cosmetic decorations; they are foundational works that will serve generations yet unborn.

The symbolism of infrastructure is profound. Dwight D. Eisenhower’s interstate highways unified the United States and unleashed economic growth. The railways powered Britain’s Industrial Revolution. Dr. Alex Otti’s roads, bridges, and modern facilities will do the same for Abia, connecting farmers to markets, traders to cities, and industries to opportunity. These are not just structures of stone and asphalt, they are arteries of prosperity.

In this, Dr. Alex Otti, echoes Nelson Mandela’s wisdom: “Leadership is not about being in charge, but about taking care of those in your charge.” By ensuring that every naira is accounted for and every project adds value, Otti is restoring faith in governance. His leadership is becoming a covenant of trust between the state and its people, a relationship that had long been broken.

President Tinubu’s endorsement through his representative at the commissioning is equally significant. It shows that Governor Otti’s vision is not trapped in local politics but resonates nationally. For Abians, it is a source of pride that their governor’s achievements are celebrated even at the highest levels of federal power.

The global relevance of this recognition opens fresh opportunities. With Abia now on the radar of diplomats, investors, and development agencies, the potential for partnerships in technology, education, and commerce has multiplied. Aba’s entrepreneurs, renowned for their ingenuity, can now pitch their products with the added credibility of belonging to a state admired abroad. Abia’s young scholars can approach the world with renewed confidence.

Yet, perhaps the greatest triumph of Dr. Alex Otti’s leadership is the rebuke it delivers to cynicism. Nigerians have often been told their leaders cannot meet global standards, that corruption is inevitable, that mediocrity is our default. Otti has proven otherwise. His governance shows that Nigeria, through discipline and vision, can reflect the successes of developed nations.

The management thinker Peter Drucker once said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” That is precisely what Governor Otti is doing by creating an Abia that is prepared for the future, not waiting for it to happen. His infrastructure projects, his transparency in governance, and his global recognition are the building blocks of a competitive state.

For the ordinary Abian, these changes are not abstract. They mean that farmers can transport produce more easily. Students can aspire to scholarships abroad with greater hope. Investors can see stability and opportunity where uncertainty once reigned. Infrastructure is not just about cement; it is about dignity and opportunity.

Steve Jobs, in reflecting on change-makers, said: “The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” Governor Otti, dared to imagine a different Abia a new Abia that could stand tall in Nigeria and be recognized abroad. That boldness is no longer a dream; it is a reality unfolding before the eyes of the people.

The journey, of course, is not over. Expectations are high, and challenges remain. But Governor Otti has shown that he has the stamina and vision to meet them. Like the great leaders of history Roosevelt, Kennedy, Churchill, Mandela he has chosen to be an active author of his people’s destiny, not a passive spectator.

As the dust settles on the commissioning of Abia’s magnificent projects and the words of Ambassador Richard M. Mills Jr. continue to reverberate, one truth shines clear: Abia under Dr. Alex Otti is no longer a spectator in Nigeria’s march to progress. It has stepped onto the global stage.

For generations to come, the name Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, will not only be remembered in Abia it will be cited across Nigeria and beyond as proof that when vision meets courage, and when leadership serves with integrity, a people can rise from the shadows of neglect to the heights of history.

Oluebube A. Chukwu Ph.D, writes from Umuahia

The post Governor Otti’s Bold March into History, Rewriting Future with World-Class Infrastructure first appeared on National Ambassador News.

Chukwudi made this known today in a phone chat with our reporter, where he said that the youths of Rivers State should avoid any form of criminal tendencies as it does not augur well with those who are involved in such activities, bringing about personal underdevelopment wherein they misuse opportunities because of what they take, smoke, or inhale, making them to involve in many other criminal activities resulting in insecurity and total breakdown of law and order.

Chukwudi encouraged the youths to embrace the teachings of the Bible and accept Christ as Lord and Saviour.

However, he called on the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to take proactive measures to tackle insecurity and drug abuse among the youths in order to bring lasting peace and enviable development.

Our reporter learned that in fighting insecurity, drug abuse, and other vices among the youths, the war should start from within the community. That is what motivated the Woji Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area to organize a one-day sensitization summit yesterday, Thursday, to find a lasting solution to insecurity, drug abuse, land grabbing, and other social vices among their youths. The event, which brought together traditional leaders, government officials, youths, and residents of the area, was aimed at deliberating on the dangers of insecurity, drug abuse, and land grabbing, and to propose a way forward.

The Local Government Chairman, Dr. Gift Worlu, who was represented by his vice, Dr. Joyce Nyeche, gave a keynote address wherein she applauded the community for the initiative and emphasized the importance of such gatherings, stressing that such provides opportunities for communities to identify and solve their problems collectively. She lamented the rising cases of insecurity and challenged parents to take proactive measures. She equally raised alarm over land grabbing among young ones in the local government, saying that those involved are being fuelled from within the community, promising that the administration will tackle it head-on.

By Bestman Orji, PH

The post Insecurity, Drug Abuse Bane for Development — Chukwudi Ume first appeared on National Ambassador News.

The commissioning ceremony will be performed by no less a person, than the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR , the JAGABAN himself.

It could be recalled that the Port Harcourt road Aba was built very solidly by the highly celebrated former iconic Governor of the old Imo state, Chief Sam Mbakwe. The stretch of road became one of the busiest parts of Aba as well as a major hub for the servicing of heavy-duty vehicles, equipment, spare parts, power generating sets and ancillary tools.

But for lack of maintenance culture by successive governments, the once bubbling Port Harcourt road, Aba became dilapidated, decrepit and completely abandoned. In fact, the road got deteriorated to the extent that the heaps of wastes and debris that flooded the road were like storey buildings while the remaining parts of it were either covered by grasses, plantain and banana trees or portholes and ditches.

This Port Harcourt road got to a point where businesses, including corporate headquarters around the area were forced to relocate to favourable locations while public schools such as Umuagbai Secondary School, National High School and Ohabiam Girls Secondary School among others were completely shut down with their facilities left in ruins.

Of course, many property owners around that corridor sold their property on what could be described as “give away” prices as property value become very low in Port Harcourt road and it’s environs. There were no serious businesses taking place there while some churches relocated and few others that were managing to stay, were lacking members for inaccessibility to their premises.

However, the election of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR ignited hope and brought a lifeline to Port Harcourt road and the remnants. Upon his election as Governor, even prior to his eventful swearing in as the state Governor, Dr. Alex Otti on 27th of April precisely , led representatives of Julius Berger on an inspection tour of the road and later on, the road was flagged off for reconstruction and today, the rest is history.

Of course, in consonants with his inauguration speech, where Governor Alex Otti said, thus, “As you all know, Aba is a city that is very dear to my heart and critical to my leadership agenda. I believe that many Abians have the same attitude towards Aba. I intend to work tirelessly to restore the glory of our beloved Enyimba City,” the Governor went in fully to restore Port Harcourt road.

Also, while flagging off the reconstruction of the road, Governor Otti stated emphatically, that,
“For us, Port Harcourt Road Aba is not just any other project, it will be a testament of our willingness and determination to “rebuild ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated” as contained in Isaiah 61: 4. We are here to rebuild, and this flag off exercise is a definite confirmation that Aba’s days of glory are about to be restored”

Truly, this milestone achievement is one of the strategic steps of the Governor in fulfilling one of his major campaign promises, which is to permanently break the jinx of Port Harcourt Road Aba and revive the long-abandoned economic activities along that corridor.

In order not to repeat the mistake of the past, and wasting billions of Naira of taxpayers’ money without tangible results in road construction, Governor Otti engaged a front line reputable  civil engineering company in Nigeria, the Julius Berger Plc to deliver the job. The reconstructed Port Harcourt road would certainly drive the economic rejuvenation of the Enyimba city.

Governor Alex Otti deserves commendation for mustering the courage and political will to make the right commitments to restore the stretch of road for economic rejuvenation of Aba.

The commissioning of Port Harcourt road indeed speaks to the commitment of the Otti led administration to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive through unprecedented investments in road infrastructure.  Reconstruction of the Port Harcourt is aimed at driving job creation and poverty elimination as well as enhancing well – being of the people which are very critical to the development agenda of Governor Alex Otti.

Congratulations to the Aba business community, congratulations to the Enyimba city and congratulations to the man of the moment, Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR!!!
To God be the glory!

Written by Divine Nwankwo 
HoD (Information), Government House, Umuahia. 

The post Commissioning Of The Port Harcourt Road, A Celebration Of Economic Rejuvenation Of Aba first appeared on National Ambassador News.

Funny at 65, we are still talking about the same old problems: poverty, unemployment, poor education, insecurity, corruption, weak infrastructure, and lack of basic services like electricity. Too many Nigerians live without clean water, stable power, good roads, or access to quality healthcare. The question is no longer “What’s wrong?” we already know. The real question is: “What are we going to do about it?”

Nigeria still has a lot of potential, but we are stuck with the same problems: poverty, bad roads, poor electricity, insecurity, corruption, and weak leadership. If our founding fathers could see what Nigeria has become, they would be deeply disappointed from the great beyond.

This is not the time for long speeches or celebration parades. This is the time for serious thinking and real planning.

A Hard Look at Where We Are

At 65, Nigeria has passed through so many challenges a civil war, years of military rule, oil wealth that didn’t benefit all, economic troubles, and many changes in leadership. Yet, our people especially the youth are tired and frustrated.

Many Nigerians are getting poorer. Basic services like electricity, clean water, and good roads are still not available to most citizens. Millions of young people are jobless, and trust in government is very low.

This 65th independence anniversary should not just be a time to remember the past. It must be a time to take action and fix what is broken.

Why We Must Plan for the Future

Nigeria cannot continue to move forward without a strong and long-term plan. Too many times, our leaders focus only on winning elections instead of building the country. That’s why we keep having the same problems year after year.

We need a national development plan that will guide Nigeria for the next 25 to 50 years no matter who is in power. The plan should focus on:

Growing the economy beyond oil countries like China and Malaysia are developing without relying on oil.

Improving education and digital skills, our schools must work well, and university lecturers should not always be on strike.

Fixing roads, electricity, and water supply.

Protecting the environment and dealing with climate change.

Creating more jobs and opportunities for young people.

Fighting insecurity and making justice available to all.

Ensuring honesty and accountability in government.

Nigeria will only have a better future if we make solid plans and stick to them.

How to Plan for the Future

For Nigeria to truly move forward, we need to change how we think and how we lead. Here are eight important things we must do:

1.Create a Long-Term National Plan.The government must make a clear development plan that continues, even when new leaders are elected. It should not just sit on paper it must be followed and reviewed regularly.

2.Use Real Data to Guide Decisions.Good planning needs accurate data. We must support agencies like the National Bureau of Statistics so that decisions are based on facts, not guesswork.

3.Fix Infrastructure and Support Industries
We need better roads, electricity, railways, and ports. At the same time, we should grow industries like farming, manufacturing, and technology to create jobs and reduce imports.

4.Go Green and Protect the Environment
Climate change is real and already affecting us. Nigeria must invest in clean energy, green jobs, and laws that protect our environment.A green economy can also attract international support and funding.

5.Improve Education and Skills.Our school system must focus on science, technology, and practical skills. Vocational training, digital access, and lifelong learning should become part of national development.

6 Make Nigeria Safer
Security is not just about soldiers and weapons. It also means fighting poverty, injustice, and corruption. We must invest in community policing, peace-building, and conflict resolution, especially in troubled areas.

7.Give More Power to States and Communities
Abuja cannot do everything. States and local governments need more money, freedom, and support to solve their own problems. When development happens at the local level, progress becomes faster and more meaningful.

8.Involve Nigerians Abroad and Global Friends.Millions of Nigerians in the diaspora are doing great things in fields like medicine, business, and technology. We should work with them and also build strong partnerships with other countries to learn and grow together.

Nigeria’s Youth: Our Biggest Strength

Over 60% of Nigerians are under the age of 30. That is our biggest strength if we support them well. Young people are already leading in areas like fintech, agriculture, music, and fashion.

To build a better future, we must include young people in national decision-making. They need good schools, job opportunities, internet access, business support, and leadership roles. Young people should not only vote; they must help lead the change.

The Leadership We Need

For all this to work, we need honest and forward-thinking leaders.Leaders elected by the people.Leaders must stop thinking only about the next election and start thinking about the next generation.

We need leaders who are bold, truthful, and ready to make tough but necessary decisions. We also need citizens who will stay informed, vote wisely, and hold leaders accountable.

Holding on to the Dream of 1960

When Nigeria became independent in 1960, our dream was to be a strong, united, and successful country. That dream is still possible but only if we work for it.

True love for Nigeria is not just about singing the anthem or flying the flag. It means doing your part whether you’re a student, teacher, trader, leader, or worker  to make Nigeria better.

As Nigeria turns 65, we must stop asking, “How long have we been independent?” and start asking, “What have we done with our independence?”

Now is not just the time to hope.Now is not just the time to remember.Now is the time to plan together, wisely, and with a clear vision for a better Nigeria.

By Okechukwu Ubani

The post Nigeria at 65: Enough Talk, Let’s Build the Future first appeared on National Ambassador News.

Once a symbol of Aba’s commercial pride, the hotel had been abandoned for decades, standing as a reminder of neglect by past administrations. With Otti’s intervention, the historic facility is now set for revival under a redevelopment plan in partnership with international hospitality brand, Radisson Blu.

According to the state government, the project will meet global standards, create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and attract local and international visitors. Preliminary work has begun with the clearing of overgrown vegetation, signaling the start of full-scale construction.

The rehabilitation is also part of Otti’s broader urban renewal programme, which includes infrastructure upgrades, security enhancements, and investment-focused reforms aimed at repositioning Abia as a leading economic hub in Nigeria.

Business leaders and community stakeholders have welcomed the move, describing it as a bold step toward reclaiming Aba’s status as the commercial capital of the South-East.

Some residents expressed relief and optimism over the project. A construction worker at the site, who declined to be named, described Otti as “the saviour of Aba,” noting that at the pace of development, the city would be unrecognizable by 2027 due to the scale of ongoing projects.

Sir Aloy Atasieobi, a resident of People’s Road, Aba, said the hotel’s abandonment had turned the surrounding bush into a hideout for hoodlums. “With this reconstruction, the area will no longer serve as a haven for criminals. Instead, it will attract tourists and drive social and economic development,” he said.

Governor Otti has assured the public that the project will be executed transparently and accountably, stressing that the revival of Enyimba Hotel will uplift Aba’s image and deliver long-term socio-economic benefits to the state.

With construction now underway, excitement is growing among residents who view the hotel’s rebirth as a major milestone in restoring Aba’s reputation as the commercial heartbeat of the South-East.

Chinedu Kelechi, Aba
Reporter

The post Enyimba Hotel Reconstruction Signals New Era for Aba first appeared on National Ambassador News.

Abians, who take pride in the unique fact that their state is the only one whose name appears in the Bible, now count themselves blessed to have found a leader who truly walks his talk. After 24 years of mixed and often disappointing governance, the current administration under Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has brought a refreshing wave of hope and change.

If anyone still doubts this, a simple look at the activities of the opposition platform ‘Ndi Abia’ tells the story. This platform, set up by a handful of discredited treasury looters longing for the “good old days” of reckless spending, has become a symbol of the past Abia.

Each time they attempt to spread lies and blackmail against Otti’s administration, they are met with overwhelming backlash — not just from Abians, but from Nigerians at large. The people are no longer interested in returning to the days when public funds were treated as private spoils.

Governor Otti has been delivering on his mandate with consistency and determination. Like a marathon runner, he started strong on May 29, 2023, and has only continued to gather momentum, running faster with each passing day.

The term “New Abia” has come to symbolize more than just infrastructure or policy — it represents a cultural, ethical, and institutional rebirth. It marks the transition from a dilapidated, mismanaged state into a modern, progressive one.

The New Abia means:

• Order, cleanliness, and efficiency.
• Discipline and swift service delivery.
• Jobs given based on merit rather than political godfatherism.
• Respect for rules, due process, and financial accountability.

Otti’s work ethic is rubbing off on the entire public sector. The culture of absenteeism and truancy that once plagued the civil service is steadily giving way to hard work and dedication. Public offices are being renovated and retrofitted, creating comfortable and efficient workspaces.

Through initiatives like the Abia Leadership Academy, young Abians are being molded into future leaders who will uphold the values of integrity, discipline, and service. These young men and women are expected to train others, creating a chain of value transmission that will strengthen Abia’s future for generations to come.

Physically, the New Abia is visible everywhere — in the clean streets, the new road networks, the rebuilt Port Harcourt Road, the six-lane Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard, the New Secretariat Complex, Omenuko Bridge, Abia Medical City, remodeled markets, and even in the thoughtfully designed bus stops across the state. Salaries are paid promptly every 28th of the month, restoring dignity to workers and their families.

Rural communities are also feeling the transformation through new road projects and renovated health centres. This development is not confined to urban areas — it is widespread and inclusive.

Perhaps most inspiring is the overwhelming support the Governor enjoys from Abians. From street corners to media platforms, the love and solidarity for Dr. Otti and his party, the Labour Party, are palpable. The people of Abia are united in their resolve to bury the old order and embrace the building of a just, progressive, and prosperous society.

The New Abia is real. It is no longer a slogan — it is a living, breathing reality, touching every sector, every community, and every heart. Governor Otti is laying a foundation on solid rock, and the future of Abia looks brighter than ever before.

Hon. Jones Nnanna Ike
General Manager/Editor-In-Chief

The post The New Abia: Now A Reality first appeared on National Ambassador News.

Excerpt:

 Abia State is 34 years old. Looking back, how would you assess the growth and challenges of the local government system since the creation of the state in 1991?

The local government system in Abia has come a long way since 1991. From very modest beginnings, we have seen gradual improvements in infrastructure, human capacity, and service delivery at the grassroots. However, challenges have persisted—particularly issues of inadequate funding, manpower gaps, and sometimes politicization of the system. What is most encouraging is that each administration has contributed in its own way, and today, under Governor Alex Otti, we are experiencing a holistic reform-driven push to reposition local governments as true engines of grassroots development.

In what ways has the Local Government Service Commission contributed to the overall development of Abia State?

The Commission is essentially the human resource manager of the third tier of government. Our contribution has been to ensure that the right people are recruited, trained, and properly deployed to serve Abians at the grassroots. Beyond personnel management, we have taken steps to instill professionalism, accountability, and welfare support for staff so that they are motivated to deliver quality services. A well-trained and committed workforce is the foundation of sustainable development, and that is where our impact is most visible. Governor Alex Otti’s administration in two years has done so much in this direction and workers should reciprocate with more commitment.

Since the assumption of office by Governor Alex Chioma Otti two years ago, what significant reforms or changes have been introduced in the local government system?

Governor Otti’s administration has brought unprecedented reforms. First, there has been a deliberate emphasis on transparency and accountability—ensuring that local government funds are utilized for the people. Secondly, staff welfare has been prioritized, with prompt payment of salaries and pensions. Thirdly, a strong emphasis is now placed on merit, discipline, and professionalism within the system regardless of where any worker is coming from in line with the unified system. These reforms are changing the narrative of local government administration in Abia.

How has the Governor’s “Rebuild Abia” agenda influenced the operations and priorities of the LGSC?

The “Rebuild Abia” agenda is our guiding compass. It emphasizes rebuilding institutions, not just infrastructure. At the LGSC, this means building a workforce that is efficient, honest, and people-centered. We are aligning our operations to ensure that the local government system reflects the Governor’s vision of service delivery, accountability, and grassroots development.

What specific improvements have you observed in staff welfare, capacity building, and efficiency within the local government service under this administration?

The difference is clear. Staff are now more motivated because they receive their salaries and pensions promptly.

Also as I speak, the Commission, in line with Gov. Otti’s administration vision, have started rolling out structured training programmes, some in collaboration with external partners. There is a renewed culture of discipline and performance monitoring, which is gradually improving service delivery at the grassroots. — Local Government Autonomy and Service Delivery

Local governments are often described as the closest tier of government to the people. How is the Commission ensuring that LGAs in Abia truly deliver grassroots governance?

By focusing on manpower and professionalism. We will ensure that qualified staff are recruited once there is a need for recruitment and deployed where their services are most needed.

There is no doubt that the 17 LG councils are meaningfully being engaged in the transformational agenda of His Excellency, in terms of infrastructure, Human Capacity Development among others.

What is the Commission doing to strengthen transparency, accountability, and professionalism among local government staff?

We have introduced stricter monitoring and evaluation systems, regular audits of staff performance, and disciplinary measures for misconduct. Equally important, we are rewarding excellence to encourage professionalism. Our goal is to create a culture where public servants see themselves as accountable to the people, by changing their awkward orientation.

How are issues of ghost workers, redundancy, and manpower gaps being addressed?

Gov. Otti’s administration has taken a firm stand on ghost workers. The Commission has put in place a panel to fish out ghost workers and defaulters of biometric offences from the system. Investigation is ongoing.

We have conducted verification exercises to clean up the payroll. Redundancy is being managed through redeployment and retraining, while manpower gaps are gradually being handled. Capacity Building and Human Capital Development is indeed the Commission’s watch word.

What training and retraining opportunities are being provided for local government workers to enhance service delivery?

We have reactivated regular training workshops, seminars, and leadership courses for staff at all levels. These cover areas like financial management, ICT skills, and customer service. The idea is to make sure our workforce is continuously updated with modern knowledge and practices in line with Gov Otti’s “New Abia” agenda.

How is the Commission integrating technology and digital processes into the operations of local governments in Abia?

Technology is the future, and we are gradually digitizing local government processes. Staff attendance and payroll systems are being digitized to curb fraud. We are also exploring e-governance platforms to make services faster, more transparent, and accessible to the public.

Are there deliberate efforts to encourage youth and women participation within the local government workforce?

Absolutely. We are deliberately studying the LG system to ascertain if there is a need to recruit more young people into the service and encouraging gender inclusion. Until the Commission finishes sanitizing the system, we cannot request for the approval for recruitment from His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti.

Meanwhile, women are now occupying key administrative positions across the LGAs, and we see this as vital for balanced and inclusive governance. Gov. Alex Otti is a gender-friendly Governor and we have also aligned to that.

For instance, here in the Commission, we have also keyed into the Gov. Otti’s administration inclusive governance as our Permanent Secretary, Director of Finance and the Public Relations Officer are all women and they are all doing very well.

What are the biggest challenges facing the Local Government Service Commission today, and how are you addressing them?

Funding and infrastructure deficits have been major constraints before now. Resistance to change on the path of the workforce has also been a challenge to the system.

Gladly enough, our Governor, has taken care of all these sufficiently but like Oliver Twist the Commission still expect more.

We are also tackling them head-on through prioritization, partnerships, and continuous sensitization of staff through training and training workshops.

How is the Commission collaborating with other government agencies and stakeholders to achieve its mandate?

Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. We work closely with the Ministry of Local Government, the Office of the Head of Service, training institutes, and even civil society organizations. These partnerships help us broaden our reach, improve capacity building, and enhance service delivery.

Looking ahead, what is your vision for the LGSC and the local government system in Abia in the next 5–10 years?

The greatest problem the system will have is if there is lack of sustainability and momentum. The strength of every system lies in the quality of her leadership.

That’s why Abians at home and diaspora should pray earnestly for our amiable Governor and pragmatic leader so that God will touch his heart to sustain this divine mandate.

My vision is to build a fully professionalized, technology-driven, and people-oriented local government system. In 5–10 years, I want to see our LGAs function as true engines of grassroots development where citizens can feel the presence of government in their daily lives.

If you were to highlight one key legacy you wish to leave as Chairman of the Commission, what would it be?

A legacy of being proactive, accountable, people-centeredness and professionalism oriented.

Also, I want to be remembered as the Chairman who repositioned the LGSC into a truly modern, people-focused institution that restored confidence in local government administration.

Finally, what’s your overall assessment of Governor Otti?
I must sincerely thank God for blessing Abia with a man of vision, integrity, and courage like His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR. He came at a time when the state was in dire need of purposeful leadership and has since demonstrated uncommon commitment to rebuilding Abia on the path of transparency, accountability, and progress.

Governor Otti is not only salvaging the state from years of decay but is also laying solid foundations for sustainable development. His emphasis on prudence in managing resources, prompt payment of workers’ salaries and pensions, infrastructural renewal, and institutional reforms are clear testimonies of his resolve to make governance truly serve the people.

As we celebrate Abia’s 34th anniversary of statehood, I, on behalf of the Local Government Service Commission, extend heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency. I also urge all Abians at home and in the diaspora to continue supporting him in prayers and in deeds, so that the good work he has started will be sustained.

Without mincing words, I can boldly say that Abia is in safe hands under Governor Otti.

The post Abia Is In Safe Hands Under Gov Otti – Nwokochah first appeared on National Ambassador News.

These buildings were not just falling apart—they were abandoned, ignored, and left to decay under the watch of the previous PDP-led administration. Students complained. Parents raised alarms. University staff appealed to the government. Yet, nothing changed. The response was silence cold, consistent, and calculated. The government behaved as though the wellbeing of ABSU students was not important.

That neglect wasn’t just physical—it was emotional. It sent a painful message to the young people of Abia State: You are not a priority. We don’t care about you.

This was more than a failure in infrastructure. It was a failure in governance. It revealed a disturbing lack of vision, compassion, and responsibility. Education which should be the engine of growth for any serious government was pushed aside. Funds that should have gone into reviving educational facilities were mismanaged, misappropriated, or simply vanished without a trace. The broken-down ABSU hostels became the symbol of broken promises, broken trust, and broken leadership.

But in 2023, the story began to change. A new chapter was opened one marked by hope, action, and visible progress.

When Dr. Alex Otti assumed office as the Governor of Abia State, he brought with him a renewed sense of purpose. He made it clear from day one that education would be a top priority not just in words, but in action. And he wasted no time. One of his earliest interventions was a bold and immediate decision to begin a complete renovation of the ABSU hostels.

During his visit to the university, Governor Otti was visibly moved by the terrible condition in which students were living. Unlike his predecessors, he did not turn away. Instead, he acted. He listened, he assessed, and he got to work—taking on a task that past administrations ignored for over a decade.

This was not a touch-up. It was a full-scale transformation.

Leaking roofs have been completely removed and replaced. Crumbling doors and broken windows have been rebuilt. Unsafe toilets and bathrooms have been torn down and reconstructed to meet modern, hygienic standards. Clean water now flows through newly installed plumbing. Electrical systems have been rewired to ensure stable and safe power supply. Hostels that once looked like abandoned warehouses now shine with new life thanks to Governor Alex Otti.

Beyond the buildings, the students themselves are now enjoying real comfort. Proper beds, clean mattresses, personal lockers things that once seemed like luxuries on campus have now become standard. The air of suffering has been replaced with an atmosphere of dignity. Students who once dreaded returning to their hostels now do so with smiles on their faces. Many have spoken about how the changes make them feel valued, seen, and respected.

For parents, this transformation brings deep relief. Knowing that their children are safe and comfortable means everything. For lecturers and non-academic staff, it is a strong sign that this government takes education seriously. For the entire Abia community, it is proof that leadership with vision and heart can make a real difference.

But make no mistake this is not just about renovating buildings. It is about restoring faith. It is about showing students that they matter. It is about building a new Abia where leaders are accountable and the youth are empowered.

The ABSU hostel renovation is a symbol of what is possible under visionary leadership. It is proof that when a governor leads with integrity, compassion, and purpose, change is not only possible—it is inevitable.

Governor Alex Otti is not just fixing what was broken. He is rebuilding what was missing trust, dignity, and hope.

In less than a year, he has done what the PDP-led government failed to do in over a decade. And he is doing it with transparency, urgency, and results that everyone can see. His administration is proving that good governance is not about endless talk it’s about meaningful impact that touches lives.

As the renovation work continues, ABSU is steadily becoming a model for what a state university should be. Students are inspired to aim higher. Lecturers are more motivated. And across Abia State, there is a growing belief that, finally, the people have a government that works for them.

Indeed, the wonders of Dr. Alex Otti’s leadership are not just stories they are reality. They can be seen in every repaired wall, every new bed frame, every smiling student.

And if this is just the beginning, then the future of ABSU and of Abia State is looking brighter than ever.

By Okechukwu Ubani

The post From Abandonment to Transformation: Dr. Alex Otti’s Remarkable Renovation of ABSU Hostels first appeared on National Ambassador News.

In place of constitutional governance, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed a Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), a former Chief of Naval Staff and Ambassador to Ghana. Following this proclamation, the governor, the State House of Assembly, and all elected or appointed officials—except the judiciary—were suspended. From that moment, Rivers State slipped into political paralysis, with governance reduced to epileptic spasms.

Ironically, the emergency rule, declared under the pretext of addressing insecurity and restoring peace, has instead deepened political instability. Many Rivers people continue to question the true motives behind the move.

A SCRIPTED ONSLAUGHT

Barely weeks after assuming office, Vice Admiral Ibas began dismantling critical institutional frameworks in the State, as though executing a carefully prepared script from Abuja aimed at total political capture.

His first targets included the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and the Civil Service Commission. Soon after, he dissolved the Governing Councils of tertiary institutions, the State Universal Basic Education Board, the Senior Secondary Education Board, the University Teaching Hospital Board, the Hospital Management Board, the Contributory Health Protection Programme Board, the Internal Revenue Board, the Waste Management Board, and the Microfinance Agency Board.

These actions provoked public outrage: were these bodies truly responsible for Rivers’ political crisis, or was something more sinister unfolding?

THE GOVERNOR’S RESTRAINT

Governor Siminalayi Fubara, regarding the emergency rule as a temporary pause in hostilities, urged his supporters to remain calm, hoping peace and reconciliation would prevail.

A public appearance alongside his estranged predecessor, former Governor Nyesom Wike, even raised hopes that the crisis would soon be resolved and the emergency lifted.

Instead, Ibas tightened his grip—dismantling administrative structures, installing proxies, and nominating controversial appointees. Among these was a Cross River indigene proposed as Chairman of RSIEC, a move widely condemned as illegal and provocative. He also forwarded the State’s Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly through President Tinubu, bypassing all constitutional processes.

FINANCIAL CONTROVERSIES

Despite a Supreme Court order withholding state funds until a valid appropriation law was passed, Ibas reportedly received and began spending over ₦166.2 billion in federal allocations, in addition to ₦264 billion in savings left behind by Governor Fubara from internally generated revenue.

Allegations abound that much of these funds have been diverted to undisclosed projects or political patronage.

ILLEGAL APPOINTMENTS AND OVERREACH

Ibas further entrenched his overreach by:

Appointing Local Government Sole Administrators
Naming “Special Advisers” to head ministries as de facto Commissioners
Appointing a Secretary to the State Government
Swearing in and reshuffling Permanent Secretaries
Removing the Accountant General and replacing the Acting Head of Service

In a move widely viewed as provocative, he has also pushed ahead with plans to conduct local government elections, already mired in litigation, allegedly in violation of multiple statutory provisions.

STATE CAPTURE IN FULL SWING

On August 13, 2025—just one month before the anticipated end of emergency rule—Ibas made sweeping appointments to eight parastatal boards and governing councils of tertiary institutions. Many observers see this as a desperate attempt to entrench political control before Governor Fubara’s expected return.

Civil society groups, Rivers elders, and legal practitioners, including Barr. Chizzy Enyi, have approached the courts to halt both the planned local government elections and other questionable actions. They argue that Ibas has acted less like a neutral crisis manager and more like a political enforcer for vested interests ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A DAMAGING LEGACY

If Abuja permits Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) to leave office on September 18, 2025, he may depart having inflicted profound damage on Rivers State’s governance, economy, and institutional integrity.

Many fear it will take years to undo the harm of these turbulent six months.

Magnus Ichechi
Friday, August 15, 2025

The post Rivers Sole Administrator, Ibas, Tightens Grip While Rivers State Bleeds first appeared on National Ambassador News.

In a grand celebration marked by heartfelt thanksgiving, worship, and joy, family, friends, and well-wishers gathered weekend to honor Elder Uduma Onuoha (Rtd), who turned octogenarian.

The Umuahia capital city, played host to friends, colleagues and families, who gathered to celebrate the life of a selfless gentleman. It was an electrifying atmosphere, with attendees showering gratitude to God for the life of a man who has lived not just long, but well, leaving indelible marks in the lives of his family, community, and the church.

Elder Uduma Onuoha, a retired civil servant and an active community leader, is known not just for his age, but for the quality of life he has lived. Former President-General of the Okaigbo Ohafia Development Union, he has served in various leadership and service-oriented roles within the church and every estate he has resided in. A devout Christian, Elder Onuoha is a Sunday school teacher and chorister, whose passion for Godliness and contentment has become his life’s mantra.

In an interview with Journalists, Elder Uduma Onuoha shared some secrets of his success in life,. According to him, “Godliness with contentment is great gain. Whatever God gives to me at any point in time, I am happy. I have taught my children this. People should know that the cause of anxiety and many sicknesses is worrying too much”.

He speaks from deep personal experience, recounting how God’s grace carried him through a fragile infancy, gave him access to education at Government College Afikpo, and has sustained him through life’s many seasons. “A classmate who failed the entrance exam to the school selflessly transported me by bicycle to sit for the interview, a simple act of kindness that became a turning point in my life”.

Throughout his life, Elder Onuoha has stood for integrity and righteousness. He has always advocated for things to be done rightly. According to him, If you are on the side of truth, no weapon formed against you would prosper.

This unwavering commitment to justice and uprightness has earned him respect across communities, tribes, and social strata. It was no surprise that people from all walks of life came to honor him at his 80th birthday, proof of the seeds of kindness, wisdom, and service he has sown over the years.

He went further to add that life was about seed-sowing and harvest, urging people to sow into the lives of people, as someday they would reap of it.

Continuing, Dr Chukwuemeka Onuoha, revealed that his father was not only deeply rooted spiritual but also profoundly detail-oriented. He said even at 80, he still checks in on each family member with thoughtful questions and remains active in both church and community affairs.

He said beyond his leadership and discipline, Elder Uduma is known for his calm and nurturing nature, recalling how he rarely resorted to punishment, choosing instead to counsel and reason with them.

“Daddy never really got angry. The worst he would do is spank our behinds lightly. He preferred to talk to us and that helped us become better”.

Looking ahead with gratitude,  Dr Onuoha, disclosed that the entire Onuoha family feels blessed and honored to celebrate this milestone with their father.

In his tribute, Dr Onuoha expressed excitement over celebrating his Dad at 80, praying God to do even more for him. “We look forward to celebrating 90 years and possibly 100, by God’s grace”.

Elder Uduma Onuoha’s life is a testament to what it means to live with purpose, integrity, and love for both God and community. At 80, he stands not only as a patriarch of his family but as a beacon of light to everyone who has had the privilege to know him. His legacy continues to inspire and uplift, a legacy built on faith, service, and a life well-lived.

Highpoint of the event, was the cutting of the 80th birthday cake, with guests being treated to beautiful cuisines, assorted drinks and some items to snack on. Of course, there were melodious tunes from the Disc Jockey (DJ), to spice up the evening.

The post Elder Uduma Onuoha at 80: A Legacy of Faith, Service, and Impact first appeared on National Ambassador News.

This ancient scripture perfectly captures the transformation that has unfolded on Port Harcourt Road in Aba, Abia State. For decades, this once-thriving commercial artery deteriorated into a haunting symbol of state neglect—a decaying stretch of land riddled with craters, refuse, and frustration.

At its worst, the road resembled more of a wasteland than a city street. It became so dilapidated that keke riders had to navigate dangerous high-tension areas just to get through. Residents and visitors alike had long accepted the road’s collapse as an unfortunate norm. Some even joked that it could be a natural deterrent for unwanted pregnancies—so treacherous it was.

But today, Port Harcourt Road tells a different story: one of vision, courage, and transformative leadership.

As a proud Abian who has watched this miracle unfold, I am filled with hope and admiration for the tremendous work Governor Dr. Alex Otti has done. This is no mere patchwork or cosmetic repair. What was once a neglected, refuse-filled path is now a first-class road—solid, beautiful, and impactful.

Until recently, I vowed never to travel to Aba from Port Harcourt directly. I preferred going around through Akwa Ibom to reach my hometown, Ututu, just to avoid the nightmare that was Port Harcourt Road. But with the election of Dr. Otti, a flicker of hope was rekindled. I strongly believed that if any road deserved priority, it was this one—and that only a reputable firm like Julius Berger could handle its reconstruction properly.

Thankfully, the Governor shared that vision. Today, the road is a marvel. A friend recently joked that if you utter anything negative about ACO (Alex Chioma Otti) in a keke, you risk getting kicked out or scolded by passersby. That’s how deeply appreciative the people of Aba are.

Yet, despite the applause, detractors have emerged—mainly questioning the ₦36 billion cost of the project. Let me respond directly:

1. Quality Comes at a Cost:
Only a company like Julius Berger could reclaim what was left of Port Harcourt Road. This wasn’t just another trunk road—it was a death trap. The project required extensive soil tests, deep excavation, structural stabilization, and thorough refilling. Julius Berger’s expertise doesn’t come cheap, but the results speak for themselves. Anyone who remembers what that road was like understands the scale and complexity involved.

It’s laughable to suggest the Governor needed JB as a smokescreen for embezzlement. What JB did past administrations use to accumulate debts for the state? Does HE need or any state Governor at that need Julius Berger to chop 6bn? Abeg make we hear word!

2. Transparency Is Key:
Governor Otti publicly disclosed the cost of the project. That’s more transparency than we’ve ever seen in Abia’s recent political history. If anyone has doubts, they are free to request the Bill of Quantities from the Ministry of Works or even Julius Berger. What matters to most of us is that the road is done, and done well.

3. Local Sentiment Matters:
The people of Aba understand the value of this road. One young man called the ₦36 billion “paltry” compared to the daily suffering residents endured for decades. This isn’t about party politics—it’s about dignity, development, and the return of life to a place that had been forgotten.

4. Accountability in Governance:
It’s easy to generalize that every public office is riddled with corruption, but Dr. Otti is charting a different course. He’s investing in visible, life-changing infrastructure instead of lining pockets. And he isn’t stopping at Port Harcourt Road. His administration is rolling out development projects across the state—from schools to hospitals to more roads—transforming Abia, one initiative at a time.

The reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road is more than just infrastructure. It is a powerful metaphor for what can happen when leadership meets integrity. A good road is not just a pathway—it’s a lifeline for commerce, mobility, and growth. It brings hope to businesses and families and strengthens civic pride.

Two years into his administration, Dr. Otti has proven that meaningful progress is possible. He listens, he acts, and most importantly, he delivers.

In conclusion, I join countless Abians in celebrating this transformation. If this road were the only achievement of Dr. Otti’s first term, it would still be historic. But thankfully, it’s just one among many. We are finally seeing the light at the end of a very dark tunnel.

Let us stay the course, support what is good, and never forget where we started.
Añula ngwoo na-nkwụ n’a bia! (Relax and wait for the sweeter wine Jesus converted from water.)

— Engr. Nto is a grateful Abia indigene resident in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

By Kalu Nto

The post From Ruin to Renaissance: The Miracle of Port-Harcourt Road, Aba first appeared on National Ambassador News.

Political analysts have continued to look at the credentials and prospects of some frontline aspirants in the LP as as the count down to the Abia LG Polls commenced.

Rumours have been flying and so many permutations have been going on on the November 2, 2024 Abia LG elections. A case study is Isiala Ngwa North LGA where three persons have shown interest to be the mayor of the local government. It is said that there are two old names and one new name who are interested in handling the zeal of the local government.

Let’s take a look at the three aspirants and what they represent;

1. HON. CY NWANKWO: It is said that Hon. CY Nwankwo is the current Mayor of Isiala Ngwa North. A business mogul and philantropist who has helped the downtrodden in Isiala Ngwa North through his CY Nwankwo foundation. Mr. Nwankwo resides abroad and has been in active politics since the time of Gov. TA Orji. According to information available, the current Mayor boasts of having the governor’s blessings and has the financial muscle to be the executive mayor of Isiala Ngwa North. It is said that he has the support of the members of Abia Arise Structure, a structure of the governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti and the face-off with the member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe on who is the leader of Isiala Ngwa North might be a blow to his emergence as Ginger is well rooted in the grassroot.

2. AMB. INNOCENT CHIEDOZIE URUAKPA: Innocent, a young and vibrant business man who suffered defeat in the last election. He vied to be the member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency at the Abia State House of Assembly but unfortunately lost to Hon. Iheonunekwu Collins Ugochukwu (OCHAKE) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Having contested under Labour Party platform and failed, he believes that he should be compensated with the office of the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa North. According to information he boasts of having the supports of Mr. Alex Alozie, Pastor Caleb Ajagba who is the Chief of Staff to the governor, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe and his Otawike group. Addressing his followers, he claimed he has been helping Hon. Ginger Onwusibe in funding his Otawike structure since 2021.

3. ENGR. CYRIL ISHMAEL: In a society where having a “godfather” or a powerful connection is often seen as a guarantee for success, Engr. Cyril is shattering glass ceilings and defying conventions. This talented engineer has taken the road less traveled, choosing to be a self-sponsored candidate in his journey to excellence. Cyril is an American Military Veteran Invested in Auto Industry and Real Estates. Cyril seems to be the new comer who is vying out of his own personal conviction. Addressing his critics who called him new comer few days ago, he emphasized that he is firm believer in the saying that “we are blessed to be a blessing”, which is why he has always dedicated his resources to helping the poorest and weakest amongst us, stressing that charity begins at home. Engr. Cyril is said to be convinced that his vision for Isialangwa North is one that will place the LGA in the proper place of pride among the comity of LGAs. Cyril enjoys organic followers because of his philanthropic gestures as he has built houses, sponsored scholarships, host medical outreach programs, business start ups for the youths and many others but his major blow might be that he has no godfather. He seems to be an independent aspirant and such things hardly work here in Nigeria.

It will be interesting days ahead as the people of Isiala Ngwa North decide who will lead them if only the party will give all the aspirants a level playing ground and not impose candidates on the people.

The post LG Polls: Tension Trails Who Becomes Council Boss In Abia first appeared on National Ambassador News.

The people of the Southeast of Nigeria have been disadvantaged decades after the Civil War. The 3Rs vision of Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, and Re-construction by the General Gowon regime aimed at addressing the plights of the region was without success. Unarguably, it will not be out of place to say that the lack of implementation of the 3Rs program by the past regimes (especially the military), may have contributed to poor infrastructural development which might have directly or indirectly affected the high level of insecurity in the region. This apparently has resulted in the overbearing and intimidating presence of security road blocks in the Southeast.

Judging by the ever increasing number of military check points and the resultant effects of untold hardship facing the people of the region, it has continued to remind them that although the civil war ended 54 years ago, the siege of exploitation, intimidation and neglect on the people have continued ad infinitum.

It is obvious that the relative improvement in southeast since the end of the civil war came out of individual efforts of the people that started with only twenty pounds. That federal government’s policy to provide the said twenty pounds, despite the proclaimed “no victor and no vanquish” by the then military regime was even seen by many as a more subtle plot to further impoverished the region that lost over 3 million people. Regardless, the ingenuity and innate hard-working characteristics of the people surprisingly transformed the region without the effective implementation of the 3Rs.
Thus, the past 54 years had been painful with the constant struggle of people to attract the attention of the federal government.

But all thanks to our amiable Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who has finally given us something to cheer in our years of jeer. The birth of the SEDC will no doubt help in addressing the huge infrastructural deficit in the region and bring it back to its peaceful nature. Indeed, with the signing into law of this all important Commission, it will definitely address development deficiencies in the area, provide quality education, advance our school infrastructure and its standard by offering teachers continuing education as well as providing scholarships to indigent students, skills acquisition, employment opportunities to the people, including the restive youths, provide quality healthcare, tackle ecological challenges, improve socio-economic activities and curtail the ever increasing military presence in the region. If all these mentioned can be tackled, it will equally add fillip to the aims and objectives of Peace in South East Project (PISE-P) vision, which is also a brainchild of the Deputy Speaker.

Just like its sister organizations, the South East Development Commission should live up to its mandate to which it was established and must not fail the people who are desirous of a better region after many years of siege and neglect.

Thus, to avoid failure, the Tinubu administration must ensure collaboration with stakeholders of the region who were instrumental to the birth of SEDC. Therefore, the pioneers who will lead the Commission should be patriotic Nigerians who would not compromise the 54-year-old hard fought vision.

It will be recalled that the bill was stalemated in the 8th and 9th assemblies. It subsequently created an impression of a culdesac for the development of the region. But in the 10th assembly, Kalu dusted the bill, expanded it appropriately, lobbied and pushed for its passage.

Anyone with keen understanding of the legislative proceedings in any parliament would know that passing a bill in an accelerated manner has always been a function of intense lobbying, love and confidence reposed in the sponsor of a motion. It is also a product of the degree of concerns displayed by the lawmakers. And this is the case in the 10th House as the members clearly showed they understood the plights of the region. No bill ever passes by coercion or undue influence or on self will. The members saw in Kalu a man of deep knowledge, one with utmost altruism to better the lot of region and then, unanimously passed the bill into law.

This was also the case in the Senate when the bill was sent there after its passage in the House. The Senators gave it an accelerated hearing and subsequently, passed it into law.

This therefore raises an appeal to the authorities to consider giving an opportunity to the Deputy Speaker who championed the bill to assemble some of the drivers of the commission to help realize the desired vision and mandate in line with the objectives of the bill.

To say that the presidential assent didn’t come as a surprise to many people would mean hiding the truth from the public.

President Tinubu, by that singular action, etched his name in gold and for many years to come, the south east will remain grateful to the president. Oh! yea, it is not in totems of typical Igbo man or woman to be ungrateful to anyone who does his or her any good. President Tinubu has done good to Ndi Igbo and history will be fair to him.

There is a saying that when you appreciate your benefactor, he does more for you. Our next plea is that the President will release our brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Ndigbo are eternally grateful to him for this great feat, and with this, the vision of reconciliation, rehabilitation, and reconstruction and may I add, reintegration is gradually being realized after many years of neglect and injustice to the region.

Mike Ukoha, former Minority Whip, Abia State House of Assembly, writes from Umuahia.

The post South East Development Commission (SEDC): A Realization of The 3R’s Vision first appeared on National Ambassador News.

Senator Wabara, a benefactor of Don Ubani, does not in any way deserve the derogatory remarks made on him by a supposed Chief who like a proverbial son, decided to throw his father up. Now, he should be ready to see what his sight is not meant to behold!

It only smacks of arrogance, disrespect, ingratitude, and of course, shameless display of stupid ignorance for a man who few years back, served as a Liaison Officer to the Distinguished Senator, to turn around and begin to de-market his former boss on the social media, simply because he feels he can construct few sentences and post on the social media.

How come Chief Ubani, a former Commissioner in Abia State, who is expected to comport himself with a level of dignity and decorum, suddenly decide to dance naked and take up arms against an innocent man who he acknowledged, made him a car owner few years ago? How come, Chief Ubani suddenly decided to fight a kinsman he rather should be celebrating? Is it envy or merchandise that drove Ubani into fighting a man he may not come close to his enviable achievements and height in life?

Well, the reason is not far- fetched. It’s a combination of acrimony and pull-him-down syndrome – Ubani trademark for ages. Secondly, as a frustrated failed politician, the self-imposed Asa mouthpiece must have hired himself for a pot of porridge to those uncomfortable with the unbiased position of Senator Wabara on issues of importance to the PDP.

It is a fact, that Senator Wabara as the BoT Chairman of the PDP, has courageously as demanded by his exalted position (Conscience of the party); and true to his temperament, spoken out against injustice and anomalies not minding whose ox is gored. Those who feel threatened and hurt by his uncompromising posture on both national, state or party issues are really fighting back.

These elements, unfortunately, have seen a willing recruit in a man without any modicum of shame. They have seen a man ready to do anything including pulling down his own just for a wet pocket.

I know that His Excellency, the Distinguished Senator Wabara, certainly does not have Ubani’s time. He definitely will not have the time and patience to read most of his uninspiring long epistles. But folks like us will not allow Chief Ubani get away with his unprovoked insults against an innocent statesman.

Ubani should not expect Senator Wabara to stoop so low as to begin to join issues with an ex-Liason Officer. He should also know that a former Senate President and an incumbent BoT Chairman of a big political party like the PDP, will be belittling himself and office to begin to trade words with a serial blackmailer and expired ‘food is ready’ political megaphone. Chief Ubani behaves like the nwanza (miniature bird) that does not know his size and wants to fly with any bird.

If Ubani who prides himself as an orator and advocate of the Ukwa nation lacked, and still lacks the courage to ask his pay master what he did for Ndi Ukwa, then he has lost the morality to disparage Senator Wabara. All through the time Ubani served in the State Executive Council both as Commissioner and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, what did he attract for ndi Asa and Ndoki other than bad image and hatred by other people? He should first give a scorecard of himself, before looking the way of another.

Should Ubani not bury his face in shame that the man and administration he served for eight years completely abandoned Ukwa land? During that infamous and better-forgotten era, virtually all roads in Ukwa, the only oil producing area in Abia totally collapsed. Was there any remarkable project that Ubani and his sponsors point at which they sited in Asa or Ndoki land? Should Ubani not be ashamed that because of the peanuts he gets from those who used and dumped him, he has continued to defend their indefensible anomalies even at his age?

This self overated advocate of the Ukwa nation was rather used by his pay master as an attack dog against anyone who did not share their self-centered opinions. Regrettably, the only legacy of Ubani for the Ukwa people is the enmity he earned from our Abia North brothers who he rudely carpeted for demanding that power should rotate back to them in 2023. Chief Ubani was being used by his pay master to defend the indefensible under the illusion of juicer political rewards in the event that their selfish political game worked out. But alas, it was a flop just as it was never meant to succeed! Regrettably, Ubani was a captive of non existent Ukwa la Ngwa slogan that is only activated to serve the political interest of certain individuals.

If Ubani is honest to himself, he should have known that he has continually been used against the interest of Ukwa people. The next time he is mobilised to castigate Senator Wabara, Chief Ubani should find out why those he was defending against the wise counsel of elders did not have their way in the last general elections contrary to their expectations and initial boastings?

It’s only political hirelings like Ubani that would misconstrue Senator Wabara’s fair comment on the courage and openness of the incumbent Abia Governor to embark on the total rehabilitation of the critical Port Harcourt Road Aba, which the Master Ubani served for eight years could not fix despite its strategic importance to the economic survival of the state. It’s only a mischievous character that will interprete true and fair comment as anti-party.

The likes of Ubani are the reason the PDP lost Abia in 2023 because, instead of speaking truth to power, they chose to sycophantically massage the ego and lick the boots of those who had a wrong idea of what it means to occupy a privileged position. Ubani rather chose to be a praise singer instead of a true Counsellor. Today, he should be able to tell himself the obvious truth.

Don Ubani should be fully aware that he is on a self destruct for choosing to pull down his own. The Asa and Ndoki people will never take him serious and history will always be unkind to traitors. Our fathers told us that some migrants from neighbouring Rivers settled in our land out of the benevolence and hospitality of the ancients. Perhaps, time has come for true screening of the ancestry of everyone in Ukwa to know true sons from pretenders!

By Chijioke Dimgba Okere

The post The Wailing Of A Frustrated Political Attack Dog first appeared on National Ambassador News.

But, how can Don Ubani forget so soon the embarrassment his PDP cartel meted on the person of H.E Sen. Adolphus Wabara, the BOT Chairman of then ruling party, when he was removed as Abia State University Pro-Chancellor simply because he advised PDP right to choose its candidate from Abia North as equity and fairness demands at the time? Where was Don Ubani?

How could Don Ubani forget when former Governor Ikpeazu undermined and embarrassed the BOT Chairman of PDP, Sen. Adolphus Wabara openly before his people in his own LGA of Ukwa East, when he Ikpeazu announced Chris Nkwonta who just joined the party at the time as the leader of the party PDP in the LGA during the reception of Nkwonta into PDP?

Don Ubani in his shortsightedness forgot to capture that the same Sen. Adolphus Wabara single-handedly appointed him Don Ubani as his constituency manager while as the Senate President of the Federal Republic; a position which earned him huge paychecks and the first (and possibly only) brand new vehicle he had at the time. Mercedes Benz 260.

Don Ubani should tell the people that same Sen. Adolphus made him a board member in the Rubber Research.

Under the charge of Don Ubani and his cohorts notable Abia sons like Chief Ukpai Agwu Ukpai and Dr. Solomon Ogunji died mysteriously and most recently, Prof. Uche Ikonne, the Governorship candidate candidate of their party at the time.

It is worthy of note that there were series of assassination attempts against Senator Wabara which were botched by God whose infinite mercy preserves the innocent and shamed the mischievous felons who plotted his kidnap.

The only sin of Senator Adolphus Wabara was standing for truth and equity against their fraudulent political model.

Recall that Senator Wabara prophesied that PDP will loose Abia in 2023 Election if the PDP Governorship ticket was zoned to anywhere else but Abia North.

Senator Adolphus Wabara insisted that Abia North PDP should be allowed to produce the Governor in 2023, in line with equity agreement, but Don Ubani and his unfortunate cronies dusted a candidate from their bedroom to make him a Governor.

But Abians got smarter. Abians revolted against Don Ubani and his cronies, kicked them in the butt and surged off the pipe of their survival -Abia’s treasury- bringing to reality the prophecy of Senator Adolphus Wabara that PDP was heading to failure if they disabled the zoning formula.

Now, Don Ubani and his cronies are hungry, angry and frustrated. They are teary because they’ve lost out of the metrics and calculations of 21st century politics.

These rants from Ubani are cries of defeat. He and his cronies have failed and yet, shamelessly dancing naked in the market square.

Abia has moved on. Abians too have. And I am sure that time and events have passed; Don Ubani has been left behind. Poor man!

Don Ubani should start to unthink the fact that politics is a career, so he should consider working out alternatives.

Being in Abia politics in the most retrogressive era of Abia state clearly paints a picture of who Don Ubani is: A retrogressive politician, local champion and a primitive noisemaker.

Don boasted of how he led to the victory of PDP in 1998. He boasted of how he single-handedly gave PDP victory in Abia South. This is a man who cannot win House of Representatives primaries.

The problem with Don Ubani and other Methuselas in his camp is their inability to understand that the dynamics of politics have changed.

It is no more about he who carried most ballot boxes. It is no more about he who told most lies or forged most documents to rig their way to power.

Don Ubani was in PDP but did not show his support for PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, but decided to support APC. He and his cronies formed G5 group that brought the APC government which has kept Nigeria the way it is today.

There’s so much to say but Don Ubani should not insult himself with such nonsensical remarks about Senator Adolphus Wabara.

The hate against Senator Wabara for always standing for the truth will never lead Don Ubani and his cronies to nowhere. It is high time they realised their era has gone and will never come back.

Signed:
Chief Nwankwo Uchenna
Convener, Ndoki Vanguard
August 28th, 2024

The post Don Ubani: The Rant Of An Expired Politician first appeared on National Ambassador News.