Abia North Leaders Endorse Otti for Second Term, Pledge to Sustain Governance Template Beyond 2031  

Non-political leaders and stakeholders from Abia North Senatorial Zone have unanimously endorsed Governor Alex Otti for a second term and resolved to sustain his governance template beyond 2031.

The group, under the aegis of Alliance for Good Governance in Abia State, made the declaration on Saturday, June 27, at the end of its inaugural meeting at the residence of Chief Ebueme Ezikpe in Abiriba, Ohafia LGA.

Addressing newsmen, the group’s spokesman and a former Secretary to the Abia State Government, Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, said the meeting was convened to ensure the continuity of the administration’s reform agenda.

“The purpose was simple: to ensure that good governance in Abia is perpetrated and perpetuated,” Prof. Mkpa stated.

He said attendees came from all five Local Government Areas in Abia North: Bende, Ohafia, Arochukwu, Isuikwuato, and Umunneochi.

“The stakeholders, opinion moulders, captains of industry, accomplished professionals and prime movers present are not seeking patronage. They are self-made Abians who, by God’s grace, need nothing from government except to see good governance sustained,” he emphasized.

Prof. Mkpa disclosed that speakers at the meeting extolled Governor Otti’s “unquestionable transformative work” in education, infrastructure, health, agriculture, security, transport, and public service.

“It was unanimous: Abia has never had it so good. The Governor does not need more campaigns because his works are speaking for him,” he added.

In a three-Point Resolution, the group decided to: Mobilize citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of 2027; Work to return members of the Governor’s party to the State and National Assembly, noting “he cannot do it alone;” and to Protect the governance template of Governor Otti beyond 2031 to bind future administrations to it.

In his contribution, business mogul and proprietor of Ahudiyannem Queens & Football Club, Dr. Robert Onyeani, said improved road networks in Abia North have directly enabled private investment.

“He has done the road from Umuahia to Arochukwu. I moved my two teams and my hotel to Abiriba because of the good roads. For me to come out like this means we are giving him massive support to return in 2027 and to bring in a credible successor that will sustain what he has started,” Dr. Onyeani said.

The host, Chief Ebueme Ezikpe, said the group deliberately excluded career politicians and those seeking patronage.

“Nobody here is seeking political office or anything from the Governor. We are Abians who have seen a different government. For over 25 years, Abia was in a mess. As a businessman in Aba then, many of us ran away for our lives. That has changed,” Chief Ezikpe said.

He added that the group is rallying support not only for Governor Otti’s reelection, but also for the election of credible candidates to the State and National Assemblies who would work with him.

Among those present were Mr. Ken Ahia, SAN; Chief Umeh Kalu, SAN; Chief Ray Nkemdirim, MFR; Chief Johnson Chukwu; Chief Chris Ifesi; Chief Shaka Obasi; Linear Nto Mbah; Engr. Inah Obasi; Prof. Udo Obasi; Paul Iwuaru; Dr. Afulike Christian; Amaechi Pius; Chief Okafor Ukaegbu; Chief Eme Kalu Eme; Dr. Roberts Anya Nkata; Kester Ekekwe; and Obinna Chigbu, who represented Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, Rtd.

Others included Sir James Ikoro of BYC; Chief Leon Ibeka; Engr. Steven Aka Ndukwe; Chief Joseph C. Ogwo; Builder Chukwu Kalu; Chief Mandela Obasi; and Chief James Ochunkwo, among others.