… Says Abia Back On The Path Of Purposeful Governance
Former Military Administrator of Abia State, Group Captain Frank Ajobena (Rtd), has lauded Governor Alex Otti for what he described as a remarkable restoration of hope and purposeful governance in the State.
Ajobena, who governed Abia State between August 1991 and January 1992 as its founding Military Administrator, spoke during a solidarity visit to Governor Otti at his Nvosi Isialangwa South LGA office.
Accompanied by his son, Flight Lieutenant Terry Ajobena Rtd, the Former Military Administrator noted that under the Otti led administration, Abia has once again become a reference point for good leadership in Nigeria.
He explained that his visit was also to personally verify reports of progress he had been reading in the media and commended Governor Otti for the massive Infrastructural development across the State.
“I’m happy to be here. It is 14 years since i stepped my foot on Abia State. It is a wonderful homecoming for me”, he said.
Ajobena who said development in Umuahia and Aba has changed remarkably with many places now hardly recognisable, added that the State capital now truly looks like a Capital city.
He said that following the creation of Abia State in 1991, his administration was inspired to lay foundations for the new State with visible contributions including the establishment of core administrative structures the decision to secure a durable Government House and public infrastructure, rather than temporary facilities.
Ajobena also clarified misconceptions about the Government House during his tenure, explaining that the facility was neither rented nor abandoned but restructured and complemented with additional buildings to make the seat of government functional.
The Former Military Administrator lamented what he described as years of stagnation after his tenure, however noted that Governor Otti’s emergence has marked a turning point in the lives of citizens.
Ajobena who declared himself “a bona fide citizen of Abia State” with a moral responsibility to remain interested in its affairs, urged past leaders to support the incumbent administration.
He stressed that Governor Otti is performing well and should be allowed to continue, adding that “you don’t change a winning team”.
Ajobena urged the Governor to remain focused despite criticism pointing out that “There will be detractors, but don’t let that deter you from what you are doing”.
Responding, Governor Otti while welcoming Ajobena back to the State, described him as a true founding father and thanked him for the visit, adding that the solidarity visit was deeply encouraging.
Governor Otti who acknowledged the challenges Ajobena faced in governing the State at it’s teething stage, praised the foundational work carried out between 1991 and 1992, noting that his own administration was focused on building upon that legacy.
“That foundational work was so critical, thank you for the work you did in Abia State. For us governors, it’s about building on what the predecessors have put on ground”, the Governor said.
He cited landmark interventions such as the completion of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road in Aba, the reconstruction of the Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia, and the ongoing rebuilding of the Government House, which had earlier failed structural integrity tests, as part of the measures his administration has put in place to reposition the State.
Govenor Otti dismissed critics of his administration as “ selfish” and”a very tiny minority”, adding that his administration is focused on delivering democracy dividends for the people.
In a vote of thanks, Flight Lieutenant Terry Ajobena, thanked Governor Otti for the warm reception and urged him to sustain the current momentum.
Ajobena said that the impact of Governor Otti’s leadership and development strides is attracting attention not only across Abia State and Nigeria, but also from people around the world.
He described the visit as an emotional homecoming for his father, noting his long-standing passion for Abia State and it’s citizens.
