NEWS
UKWA EAST UNANIMOUSLY ENDORSES GOVERNOR ALEX OTTI FOR SECOND TERM AS POLITICAL HEAVYWEIGHTS DEFECT TO LABOUR PARTY; GOV PLEDGES POWER RESTORATION, ROAD EXPANSION, HEALTHCARE UPGRADE AND LASTING PEACE
The political landscape of Ukwa East Local Government Area witnessed a historic shift as the people of the area unanimously endorsed Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for a second term in office, declaring their collective resolve to stand firmly behind his leadership beyond 2027.
The endorsement came amid a dramatic realignment of political forces in the area, as prominent stakeholders across party lines collapsed their structures into the Labour Party. Among those who decamped were the member representing Ukwa East State Constituency, Hon. Lewis Obianyi; former Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Paul Taribo of the APC; former Commissioner and former Ukwa East Transition Chairman, former ASPMISS General Manager, Hon. Ossy Nwamuo; and two-term Commissioner for Women Affairs, Lady Chinedu Brown, alongside other notable political figures.
The mass movement signaled what observers described as a new political era in Ukwa East, anchored on what leaders at the event called performance-based support rather than partisan loyalty.
Welcoming the new entrants into the Labour Party fold, Governor Alex Otti expressed gratitude for their decision and appreciated their support and endorsement for his second term bid in 2027. He described the development as a collective commitment to continuity, stability, and sustained development in the area.
In a major announcement that drew loud applause from the crowd, Governor Otti declared that electric power, which has eluded the entire Ndoki land for more than two decades as reported by the people, would be fully restored by the end of March 2026.
“If we could give power to not just Ukwa West, but Etche, which is not part of Abia State, we have no choice but to give you power.
“I understand you already have power drawn here, so you probably require transformers and a smart metering system. If that is what is required, you can take it from me that before the end of March, you will have power here,“ Governor Otti stated.
Beyond electricity restoration, the Governor issued immediate directives aimed at accelerating infrastructure development in the area. He instructed the Commissioner for Works to scoop the remaining part of Ohanku Road to extend it into the Ohanku community.
He further assured the people that the Obohia Road reconstruction project, though very expensive, would be extended to Obohia village in Ukwa East LGA, with additional work to be carried out on internal roads as requested by Senator Wabara. On the lingering border disputes, particularly in Akirika Obu, the Governor informed the gathering that discussions have been held with his Akwa Ibom State counterpart to ensure that peace is permanently restored.
Responding to calls for the recovery of Abia Palm, Governor Otti disclosed that his administration has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an international company involved in palm production and palm produce, signaling renewed hope for economic revitalization and job creation in the region.
On healthcare, the Governor revealed that his government has completed the renovation and retrofitting of 11 primary healthcare centres in Ukwa East. He noted that four of the facilities have already been functionalized, while the remaining centres would be fully operational within the next 45 days.
Demonstrating responsiveness to immediate needs, he directed the Mayor of Ukwa East to carry out palliative work on the roofs of the school blocks where the event was held, assuring the people that comprehensive renovation of the school would follow.
In line with his inauguration pledge to the people of Abia, anchored on his belief that public office holders should not be honoured with awards during their tenure, the State Chief Executive respectfully requested the Ukwa East Traditional Rulers Council to reserve the Chieftaincy title they intended to confer on him until after his tenure in 2031.
Earlier in the event, Senator Adolphus Wabara moved a motion for the endorsement of the Governor for a second term, which was seconded by Hon. Lewis Obianyi and unanimously affirmed by a mammoth crowd in attendance.
In their separate speeches, Senator Wabara, Hon. Lewis Obianyi, Hon. Uzoma Nkem Abonta, Ambassador Okey Emuche, and Lady Chinedu Brown emphasized that the entire Ukwa people were united in their decision. They stressed that the endorsement was not about political party affiliation but a resolution to support Governor Alex Otti, whom they described as having performed creditably.
The leaders commended the Governor for flagging off the construction of the first and brand new Ukwa East General Hospital, fixing schools in the Local Government, and renovating primary healthcare centres, among other projects. They, however, reiterated their appeal for the restoration of electricity, the revitalisation of Abia Palm, the extension of road construction from Obohia and Ohanku Roads in Aba to Ukwa East, and the restoration of peace in Akirika Obu.
Also contributing, the Mayor of Ukwa East LGA, Hon. Chibunna Akara, and Eze Ikeagwuchi Ekeke, who spoke on behalf of the Asa community, highlighted the Governor’s numerous achievements in Ukwa East while drawing attention to additional challenges facing the Local Government. They assured the Governor of their unwavering and unanimous support toward securing his re-election.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including the Honourable Commissioner for Information and son of the soil, Prince Okey Kanu. Traditional rulers offered prayers for the Governor and presented him with gifts, reaffirming their solidarity and collecti
ve endorsement of his leadership.