…Says Delivering Good Governance In Abia Remains Priority
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has ruled out any immediate plan to defect from the Labour Party, (LP), insisting that his focus remains on governance and the consolidation of the mandate that brought him to office.
Governor Otti stated this on Tuesday, during the December edition of the Monthly Media Parley, tagged “Governor Otti Speaks,” while responding to questions from Journalists on speculations surrounding his political future following the exit of the party’s 2023 Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi.
The Governor disclosed that although he joined the Labour Party before Obi and was informed of Obi’s decision to leave the party, he had resolved to remain and continue efforts to stabilise the LP.
“If you remember, I joined the Labour Party before Peter Obi. He communicated to me that he was leaving the Labour Party and I gave him my blessings, but I told him that I would remain in the Labour Party.
“I told him that I would have to continue the struggle to rescue the Labour Party. That is the party that brought me to power. But for now, I am not defecting with him”, Gov Otti said.
He added that discussions about alternative political options could only arise after exhausting internal efforts to strengthen the Labour Party, stressing that his immediate priority was delivering on the promises made to Abia people.
Governor Otti while reacting to comments credited to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, inviting him (the Gov ) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), said he had taken a conscious decision not to be distracted by political overtures or commentary.
While commending Hon Kalu for his recent philanthropic gestures to vulnerable persons during the Christmas season, the Governor declined to engage further with the political aspects of his remarks.
Governor Otti who invoked a famous quote attributed to former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill said, “You will never get to your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.
According to him, the Abia Government remains focused on its development agenda and will not allow distractions to derail its programmes.
“You specifically mentioned his invitation to me to join LPC. Ordinarily, I would not respond on matters that have to do with the Right Honourable Benjamin Kalu, but since you have asked, the first thing is to thank him for heeding the call that I made.
“Those of you who listened to my Christmas message, i had called on our people who have means to extend their consideration to the less privileged particularly at this time.
“To see that he heeded that call and distributed rice and some items to vulnerable people, i thank him for doing that. But then I have also taken the principle decision not to dignify all the comments he made with any response”, the Governor said.
Governor Otti who used the forum to highlight achievements and ongoing reforms across key sectors of the State’s economy, said his administration embarked on the renovation and functionalisation of Primary Healthcare Centres across the State, with an initial target of 200 facilities.
He noted that 16 primary Healthcare Centres has recently been fixed in Bende Local Government Area alone, adding that the process sometimes took time because the Government insisted on minimum operational standards, including the availability of qualified Health Professionals.
The Governor also announced that Abia State recently won multiple National recognitions, including awards for Health Emergency Preparedness, Primary Healthcare Leadership and Partnerships, describing them as a testament to his administration’s commitment of Healthcare Workers and the Ministry of Health.
On Education, Governor Otti said his administration has continued with the renovation, fencing and securing of public schools, alongside the implementation of Smart School Projects, assuring that more interventions would unfold from 2026.
In the Transport Sector, the Governor revealed that the State has rolled out 20 Electric Buses under first pilot scheme, currently offering free services across major routes and added that the initiative was part of his commitment to environmental sustainability and reduction of carbon emissions.
He disclosed that 20 additional Electric Buses were on the way, with plans to deploy up to 100 Electric Buses across the State by the end of 2026.
Governor Otti also announced major strides in the Power Sector, including the restoration of electricity to 33 communities in Ukwa West LGA and the operationalisation of the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority following the signing of the Electricity Law.
He explained that with the ceding of Aba as a ring-fenced area to Aba Power and Geometric Power, the State Government was preparing to take over electricity distribution in the remaining Local Government Areas currently served by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).
On Security, the Governor expressed gratitude to Security Agencies for maintaining relative peace across the State, noting that proactive measures had helped nip potential threats in the bud.
He said his administration is committed to reviving all moribund industries in the State as part of efforts to boost Internally Generated Revenue and create sustainable employment opportunities for the people.
Governor Otti noted that following the successful recovery of the Star Paper Mills, Aba, concrete steps have been taken to resuscitate Afro Beverages, Owerrinta, as well as other moribund industrial assets across the State.
On Workers’ welfare, the Governor stated that Abia workers have consistently received their monthly salaries on or before the 28th of every month, and assured Civil Servants that payment of their leave allowances has been approved.
He further disclosed that the State has continued to record steady progress in critical sectors such as road infrastructure, environmental management, healthcare, education and security among others and assured that despite the enormity of inherited challenges, consistent and determined efforts would continue to deliver sustainable development for Abia State.
