From what can be perceived and if truth is to be served, the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has achieved significant, uncommon, unprecedented, and remarkable milestones in governance since he assumed office on 29 May 2023. The undeniable proof of his numerous accomplishments is evident for all discerning minds to acknowledge.
To all men and women of conscience, the available evidence indicates that the Abia State Governor has so far distinguished himself creditably in managing the affairs of the state. He has positively changed the narrative. Therefore, to hold a contrary view and label Governor Otti’s performance as abysmal is unfair. The indelible marks of the Abia State Chief Executive on all aspects of the state’s economy are conspicuous and cannot be ignored. His nearly three years in office have been impactful, eventful, and impressive.
Some of Governor Otti’s modest achievements include significant improvements in the environmental cleanliness of the state, particularly in Umuahia and Aba, expansion of the road named after Gen. J. U. T. Aguiyi-Ironsi to six lanes, rehabilitation of the Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Akara-Abiriba-Ohafia-Arochukwu Road, and Port Harcourt Road in Aba, among others. A new bridge (Omenauko) was constructed over Igwu River, along with an imposing office for the Secretary to the Government and the remodeling of the Dr. Michael Okpara Auditorium.
Salaries and pensions are paid promptly, with hopes that the same will apply to gratuities. Over 10,000 jobs have been generated, 500 new classrooms have been constructed, and 200 existing ones have been rehabilitated. In the same vein, 20 new healthcare facilities have been built, and 209 existing ones have been renovated.
The Operation Crush initiative has enhanced the state’s security situation, and the addition of 50MW of solar power to the state’s grid has increased access to electricity by 15 per cent. The list of achievements is extensive.
Any active political observer of the Abia political landscape can attribute the full-throated criticisms and stiff opposition to the governor to factors other than a lack of performance. Primarily, the strident opposition stems from the media handlers of the governor. The young and exuberant reputation managers of Otti’s administration have been belligerent and caustic.
They hurl insults and outrightly disrespect past political leaders of the state and anyone who takes a different view of their principal’s programs and policies. They seem to have forgotten that in a democracy, divergent opinions are necessary. The implication is that not everyone is expected to eulogize the government of the day. From 2015 to 2023, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti was a major critic who scrutinized almost every policy and program of the previous government. His administration should therefore not be averse to criticism. The political crossfire currently building up in the state is one of the beauties of democracy.
Instead of engaging in vituperation against the opposition and heating up the political atmosphere, the government’s image builders should focus on promoting the governor’s accomplishments to endear him further to Abians and residents alike. Governor Otti is a strong candidate who should be marketed accordingly. The apparent silence of the governor regarding the diatribes of his youthful media aides towards elder statesmen and political stalwarts leaves the impression that he tacitly supports their remarks.
Governor Alex Otti is viewed as being heavy-handed, vindictive, and unforgiving. Additionally, his administration has positioned itself from the outset to suggest that his predecessors—Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, Chief T. A. Orji, and Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu—left nothing of value and achieved nothing during their respective tenures. While we dispute the opposition’s claim that Governor Alex Otti has not done well enough to merit a second term, we also take issue with the current administration’s portrayal of Otti’s predecessors as total failures in governing the state.
It was his prompt road reconstruction efforts in Aba that led former President Olusegun Obasanjo to label Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu as the ‘Action Governor’. Distinguished Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has also taken credit for building 17 hospitals across the state.
To his credit, Distinguished Senator T. A. Orji constructed world-class structures such as the International Conference Centre (ICC), the New Secretariat Complex, and the JAAC building, among others. Chief T. A. Orji also built the Abia Diagnostic and Specialist Hospital and quelled the security threat posed to the state at that time by Osisikankwu and his band.
On his part, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu served as a brand ambassador for the state by promoting Made in Abia products, which brought the state to the forefront on the global stage. Furthermore, the Shopping Plaza at Obingwa, where Governor Alex Otti plans to relocate electronics or spare parts dealers, was built by Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu. A look into the archives will reveal more about their respective achievements.
While political parties exist to advocate for their interests, stakeholders on both sides should avoid injecting personal animosity into the arena as they seek to gain power in the upcoming 2027 elections. The upcoming elections should not tear Abia State apart. Enough of the diatribes.The electorate in Abia have become wiser and will not be swayed by the propaganda and smear campaigns being peddled by political gladiators. If they assess that the incumbent governor’s work warrants a second term, no amount of blackmail will deter the people from supporting him.
As is being discussed in some circles, if the predecessors of Governor Alex Otti, despite their human imperfections, served two terms of eight years each, then for the sake of natural justice, equity, and fairness, he should also be allowed to serve two terms.
Isiakpu is a Public Relations Consultant.
