NEWS
2027 IN VIEW: GOV. ALEX OTTI RALLIES ABIA RESIDENTS ON PVC REGISTRATION, WARNS AGAINST ‘RETURN TO EGYPT’ AT CHRISM MASS IN UMUAHIA
The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has renewed his call for every eligible Abia resident to obtain his Permanent Voter Card (PVC) in preparation for the 2027 general election, emphasizing that civic responsibility remains the surest safeguard for sustaining the state’s current trajectory of progress.
Governor Otti made the call on Wednesday, April 1st, at the Mater Dei Catholic Cathedral, Umuahia, during his attendance at the Chrism Mass celebration of the Catholic Church, one of the most significant liturgical gatherings in the Christian calendar.
Addressing the congregation, the Governor reflected on the political transformation witnessed in Abia State during the 2023 general elections, describing it as nothing short of divine intervention. He reminded the faithful of what God did in the state, noting that such a historic shift, particularly one achieved from an opposition platform, would naturally attract resistance from those dissatisfied with the outcome.
“You know, when things like this happen, some people will not be happy and they will want to do everything to take you back to where you are coming from, also known as Egypt.
“But, it is for us to say, we will not go back to Egypt. Does anybody want to go back to Egypt?“ Governor Otti asked with a resounding response of NO from the people.
Building on this analogy, Governor Otti stressed the importance of political vigilance and active participation in the democratic process, urging all eligible residents especially those who recently turned 18 or were unable to vote in the last election to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise.
“So, if you have not registered to vote, (that is your permanent voters’ card – PVC), if you don’t have it, or you have not registered, or you were not 18 in 2023, you have an opportunity to register now.
“The only way you can guarantee against going back to Egypt is your PVC. That is the only message I have for you today.
“Once you have done your own, you know God will do His own. But, if you sleep, God cannot do for you what you can do for yourself,“ Governor Otti stated .
The Governor expressed deep appreciation to the Catholic Bishop, clergy, and the entire body of the faithful for their continued prayers and support for his administration, urging them to remain steadfast in their backing. He also extended warm wishes ahead of the Easter celebrations, marking the end of the Lenten season.
“I want to join the priests and everyone to celebrate God for seeing us through the whole Lent season that is about to end and also Easter that will be in a few days time.
“I wish you a fantastic Easter celebration,“ he said.
Earlier in his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Father Michael Kalu Ukpong, provided deep spiritual insight into the significance of the Chrism Mass, describing it as a central Holy Week liturgy traditionally presided over by the Bishop.
He explained that the Mass is celebrated in two major parts: the blessing of sacred oils used in administering the Church’s sacraments and the commemoration of the institution of the priesthood.
According to him, the ceremony includes the consecration of the Sacred Chrism, alongside the blessing of the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens used for those preparing for baptism.
The Bishop emphasized that all sacraments derive their spiritual strength from the death and resurrection of Christ, calling on the faithful to engage in deep reflection during the Holy Week.
He also cautioned against the rising trend of indiscriminate acceptance of “anointing oils” from individuals claiming spiritual authority, warning that the performance of miracles alone should not be used as a measure of authenticity in identifying true servants of God.
The solemn liturgy featured the renewal of priestly vows, as well as the consecration and blessing of the sacred oils, marking a spiritually significant moment for both clergy and laity.
The event drew the presence of top government functionaries and dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu; the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Rep. Obi Aguocha; the Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Meregini; former Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, among others, underscoring the strong interface between
governance and faith in the state.