The Emir of Kano, His Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has commended the achievements of Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, describing the past two years of the administration as a period of remarkable transformation that has attracted attention beyond the State and Nigeria.
Emir Sanusi spoke on Thursday, at the 2025 Atani Day Celebration held at the Atani Community School field in Arochukwu Local Government Area, where he joined Governor Otti, his longtime friend, to celebrate Christmas with the community.
“I like to congratulate Dr Otti for all the work he has done in Abia. I’m sure for those of you in Abia, nobody needs to tell you. But you will want to know that even outside Abia and outside Nigeria, everyone has taken note of the great transformation of the last two years.
“I will like to congratulate Governor Otti for his work and to pray that he will continue to deliver for the people. And, I’m proud to be a member of his international Economic Advisory Council”, the Emir said.
Emir Sanusi, who arrived in Abia on December 23, also commended the Cultural displays at the Atani Day celebration and called on Nigerians to continue to strengthen National Unity across ethnic and religious lines.
“Many of you will recall that I was present at the swearing-in ceremony of my friend and brother, Dr Alex Otti. We have had a relationship going back decades. We were friends in UBA and First Bank. We have remained friends.
“This is my first time at this event and I am most impressed by the Cultural display. I bring you goodwill and good tidings from the good people of Kano and I hope that we will continue to build these bridges across the Niger, to hold hands and remain brothers and sisters, citizens of one great country”, he said.
In his remarks, Governor Otti who decried the politicization of ethnicity and religion in national discourse, described the Emir as “my friend and brother from another mother,” noting that their friendship spans more than two decades.
“We are glad to have him, he just came to celebrate Christmas with us.
“Sometimes, when people are politicising ethnicity and tribalism, it’s because they don’t have any argument. If you have an argument to make, it shouldn’t be about ethnicity and religion”, Governor Otti stated.
The Governor recalled Sanusi’s resilience through personal and professional challenges, urging Abians to remain steadfast in the face of adversity.
“He was Central Bank Governor, he insisted on the right thing to be done and they removed him. You can suspend me but you can’t suspend the truth. As an Emir, they removed him and then later, he was called back”, Governor Otti said.
The Governor reassured residents that his administration would not disappoint them, stressing that it was a people-driven government.
“We are not afraid, the people that brought us to power are still there, and they are the ones that will write the testimonial at the end of the day”, he asserted.
Governor Otti apologised for the inconveniences caused by ongoing construction works in the area, assuring residents that contractors had been directed to accelerate work for timely completion.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to Security, welfare and investments in critical sectors, disclosing that between 15 and 20 per cent of the State’s annual budget has consistently been allocated to Healthcare and Education.
He highlighted reforms in the Education sector, citing the turnaround at Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu, adding that hostels, laboratories and staff quarters were being retrofitted.
“We found out that there was no teaching going on… they lost accreditation for over seven years. So, I’m happy to say that about three weeks ago, Abia State College of Education Technical Arochukwu, had all its courses accredited”, he said.
The Governor, who said he attended public schools throughout his life, noted that neglecting public Education would amount to a crime.
The event featured colourful cultural dances and was attended by the Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, HRH Eze Eberechukwu Oji, illustrious sons and daughters of Atani community, dignitaries, and appointees of both the federal and Abia State governments.
