Otti: My answer to critics is to work even harder

Gov. Otti

…APC Chieftain Ogah Backs Governor’s Second-Term Bid

By Steve Oko

UMUAHIA — Governor Alex Otti has said his administration will respond to opposition criticism by intensifying development efforts and delivering more projects for the people of Abia State.

The governor stated this on Saturday at a civic reception held at Annunco Secondary School, Isuikwuato, in honour of the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, following his elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

The event, organised by the Isuikwuato Local Government Council, attracted political, legal and business leaders from within and outside the state.

Congratulating Uwanna, Otti described his elevation as well deserved and commended his contributions to the administration.

“We thank God for the elevation of our son, Barr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. The SAN came after we had already appointed him Attorney-General, which shows the decision was the right one,” the governor said.

He described Uwanna as a major pillar of his government, noting that the attorney-general had continued to add value to the administration through hard work and dedication.

“Ikechukwu Uwanna is one of the major pillars of this administration. He works very hard and contributes to almost everything we do,” Otti added.

The governor also appreciated former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Uche Ogah, for acknowledging the achievements of his administration despite belonging to a different political party.

Otti criticised some opposition figures for allegedly denying the existence of visible projects for political reasons.

“You cannot see a road that has been constructed and say it was not done or credit it to someone else. That is not truthful,” he said.

“For us, we do not want to respond. Our response is more work. One thing you can be sure of is that this is your government. For the first time, Abia people have taken over their government,” the governor added.

Earlier, Ogah congratulated Uwanna on his elevation and commended the governor for appointing him as Attorney-General.

The All Progressives Congress chieftain also praised Otti’s people-oriented governance and declared his support for the governor’s second-term bid in 2027, as well as for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“I have said it repeatedly and I will say it again: in 2027, I will support you. My family will support you, Isuikwuato will support you and Abia people will support you,” Ogah said.

According to him, good governance should be acknowledged irrespective of political affiliation.

“I am an APC member and I have not changed. But when it comes to the governor, I stand with Alex Otti, and when it comes to the President, I stand with Bola Ahmed Tinubu because I want good things for Abia,” he added.

Ogah further noted that the regular payment of salaries and pensions under Otti’s administration had reduced the number of people seeking financial assistance from him.

In his remarks, Uwanna thanked the people of Isuikwuato for organising the reception and commended the governor for prioritising education in the state.

“Without education, I would not be where I am today. The free education policy will transform Abia,” he said.

He also praised the ongoing renovation of schools, recruitment of teachers and the construction of a new Faculty of Law at Abia State University.

Among dignitaries at the event were the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Amobi Ogah, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ken Ahia, who both congratulated Uwanna and pledged continued support for the Otti administration.