Critical Stakeholders from opposition political parties in Ukwa West Local Government Area have aligned with Governor Alex Otti, endorsing him for a second term in office.
The Stakeholders, drawn from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), unanimously declared their support for Governor Otti, citing his remarkable achievements in the State, particularly for breaking the jinx of fixing roads in Ukwa West.
Speaking at St. Ann Secondary School, Obehie Asa, during the official flag-off of the 11.1-kilometre Obehie-Umudobia-Owaza road construction, they affirmed that no previous administration had addressed their infrastructural needs, hence their support for his administration.
A former Secretary to the State Government and two-time Commissioner for Information in Abia State under the PDP, Pastor Ralph Egbu, while speaking at the event, lauded the Governor’s developmental strides.
“With what the Governor has come to do today in Asa land, Ukwa west, he has made this place his ancestral home. What he is doing is at our heart, what he is doing is pushing into a new beginning into my community.
“He has shown himself not just as the leader of the State but as the most friendly Governor to the people of Asa.
“I’m happy, that is what I want. My policy is development and seeing classical modern development of the 21st century, that is why I am extremely excited“, he said.
Egbu who emphasized the strategic importance of the road project, noted that the road begins from the traditional capital of Obehie, and extends to the oil producing community of Owaza.
“This is more than compensation for us. From the quality of work being done, this will stand as a signature project in Asa land”, he added.
“I was recently in Umuahia and Aba, and everywhere was clean and beautiful. it’s like you want to recreate London in Abia. My essence in politics is good governance, efficiency, and development, and what you are doing aligns with that vision.
“I am not ashamed to say that because my essence of being in politics is effective, efficiency and good governance, and from wherever you came using your personal resources and so on, it has shown that it’s a very wonderful ambition, it’s manifest, very clear , the sanitary situation is beautiful”, he pointed out.
Egbu also highlighted the improved welfare of pensioners, stating; “i have friends who are pensioners, and today, they can live decently. This was not the case two years ago. You are keeping people alive, and we appreciate that”, Chief Egbu said.
The Former Commissioner for Information while declaring full support for the Governor’s re-election, assured the Governor that Asa people are committed to ensuring his victory in 2027.
“We will give you support, you will not fail second term election. Your second term is guaranteed.
“You are a good man, if any one criticize you, please don’t reply them, allow us to reply them, you have tried we are enjoying the democratic space, welcome, you have done really well,” Egbu stated.
Speaking on behalf of other Stakeholders including Chief Ikechi Etche, Chief Felix Ebere, Kingsley Eyite among others, the candidate for 2023 APGA candidate for Ukwa Federal Constituency , Mr. Adinigwe Nwoke said the Stakeholders were together to show solidarity and unwavering support for Governor Otti.
“We have seen changes from when I contested election and today, so why can’t we come together and support a moving train.
“We are here together to build a wall of support, to say that by 2027, what happened in 2023 (in Ukwa, where the governor lost election) will never repeat.
“We are unanimously supporting the candidature of Dr. Alex Otti, come 2027” Adinigwe Nwoke maintained.
Also, speaking a former Female Legislator in the Old Imo State and two time Commissioner in Abia State, Dame Victoria Akanwa, also assured the Governor of her support and victory in 2027 Gubernatorial Elections.
“Your Excellency, we know you too well, you always like things to be done correctly. We thank you for coming to our local government, may God be with you.
“May God Almighty lead you in the second tenure, you are going to have it in the name of Jesus!” Dame Akanwa declared.
Responding, Governor Otti welcomed the Stakeholders and assured them of their place in the Labour Party.
“I will like to welcome all of you, accomplished men , who presented themselves and declared to work with us anywhere we are.
“I want to say , welcome to Labour Party because that’s where we are and thank you for your support.
“And you spoke very very well. We do not take it for granted and in due course we will receive you even in a better fashion”, Gov. Otti stated.
