Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has declared that his administration will deploy every lawful means to prevent what he described as “failed past leadership” from regaining political control of the state, insisting that Abia has made an irreversible choice for progress and transparent governance.
The Governor made the remarks on Friday during the commissioning of the reconstructed Omenuko Bridge over the Igwu River and the newly completed 30-kilometre Abam–Ndioji–Ndiokereke–Arochukwu Road.
Addressing residents and stakeholders at the event, Otti said the people of Abia had experienced the tangible benefits of development-focused leadership and would not tolerate a return to what he termed an era of stagnation and deceit.
“As a people who have experienced the genuine fruits of development-oriented leadership, we now have a sacred mandate to defend, with everything at our disposal, our right to freedom, prosperity and fulfilment,” he said.
He urged residents to remain vigilant against attempts by political actors to undermine what he described as the administration’s gains across critical sectors.
Otti explained that his entry into politics was motivated by the need to tackle longstanding infrastructure deficits in the state. According to him, his government has worked consistently over the past 32 months to justify the confidence reposed in it by voters in 2023.
“We have spent every minute working to justify the huge confidence reposed in us, and I don’t think we have disappointed,” the Governor said, assuring that additional projects would be unveiled in the coming months.
He described his election as a defining moment in the history of Abia and expressed gratitude to the people of Abam for their continued support.
Recalling past tragedies linked to the old bridge, including the loss of two children of cleric Uma Ukpai and 27 students reportedly en route to an examination centre, Otti said his administration would no longer allow public infrastructure to deteriorate.
“The newly constructed bridge stands as a testament to our resolve to reverse decades of neglect and institute a new governance standard that empowers communities and enables shared prosperity,” he said.
He disclosed that about 75 per cent of projects initiated by his administration in Abam had been completed, with more scheduled for commissioning within the next year.
In his remarks, former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and Pro-Chancellor of Abia State University, Rt. Hon. Agwu I. Agwu, described the bridge as a strategic asset for Abia North and commended the Governor’s development drive.
Also speaking, Chief James Ume, popularly known as Ike Abam, said the project had restored the pride of Abam and neighbouring communities after years of neglect. He publicly urged Otti to seek re-election and pledged N500 million in support of his second-term ambition.
Member representing Arochukwu-Ohafia Federal Constituency, Rep. Okwara Osonwa, described the Governor as “God-sent,” expressing confidence in his re-election prospects.
Former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah, lauded what he called landmark achievements in infrastructure and governance, stating that the foundation for good governance had been firmly established in the state.
The project was formally inaugurated by former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (retd), alongside other prominent indigenes and stakeholders.
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