Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced plans to review the case of 154 non-indigenous civil servants who were disengaged from the State Civil Service in 2011, assuring that his administration is committed to redressing past injustices.
Governor Otti gave the assurance, on Saturday, while addressing members of the Union of Anambra State Associations, Aba Branch, during a reception held in his honour at the residence of Chief Leo Okoye.
He said that although the mass disengagement of non-indigenes from Abia Public Service occurred long before he came into office, his administration would consider a fair resolution for the affected persons.
“A list of 154 people who were disengaged in 2011 has been submitted. I have taken the list and I will ask my people to look at it”, the Governor said.
Governor Otti described the 2011 action as illegal and pledged that those who are of retirement age will be considered for compensation, while others still willing and fit to work will be re-engaged.
“I see that majority of the people were teachers and I don’t know how old they are, but if they are under 65, we will be able to work out an arrangement where we may re-engage them on contract basis.
“We have a shortage of teachers, and because we don’t agree that somebody who lives here is not from here, that action in 2011 was illegal.
“So, I will ask the Head of Service to look at it, those who are of retirement age, we will find a way to compensate them and those below the retirement age and still willing to work will be re-engaged”, Governor Otti assured.
He clarified that the gesture is not limited to Anambra indigenes alone, as others from Imo and other Southeastern States might have been affected as well.
“What we are trying to do is to redress the wrong that was done in the past”, the Governor stated.
In response to remarks about a potential Senate bid in 2031 after his second term, Governor Otti dismissed the idea, saying he would not run for Senate but retire from active politics to allow younger leaders to emerge.
Governor Otti revealed plans to revive the moribund Aba Textile Mill and Star Paper Mill to boost employment and economic activities in the State.
“We are negotiating with the people that acquired the Aba Textile Mill. We want to return it to life.
“As a government, we are interfacing with AMCON. We want to acquire the Star Paper Mill and bring it back to life”, the Governor said.
He explained that both industries were products of visionary leadership and emphasized the need for the present generation to do even better.
Governor Otti also disclosed that, through partnerships, the State Government would soon begin to train young people in various MSMEs to strengthen Aba’s position as a natural hub for textiles, leather, and fabric production.
The Governor further announced that the Enyimba Hotel would soon be transformed into a 250-room Five-Star Radisson Blu Hotel, alongside the development of the Enyimba International Convention Centre and a Leisure and Pleasure Park around the waterside corridor.
He thanked the Anambra Community in Aba for their support since 2023, and reaffirmed his administration’s inclusive philosophy.
“We have already abolished the idea of State of Origin. If you live here, you are a good citizen, and you pay your taxes here, you are from here”, Governor Otti emphasized.
The event featured goodwill messages by some dignitaries including Hon. Stephen Ucheonye, Chief Obiora Nwakpadolo, Ide John Udeagbala, and Chief Leo Nnodi Okoye, who praised the Governor’s infrastructural strides and people-oriented governance.
