“IT IS STILL EARLY MORNING FOR ABIANS” — GOV. ALEX OTTI ASSURES CITIZENS THAT HIS ACHIEVEMENTS ARE ONLY THE BEGINNING OF GREATER THINGS TO COME

The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has declared that the remarkable progress witnessed across Abia State under his administration is only the beginning of greater things to come.

Speaking at a grand civic reception organized in his honour by the Old Bende Progressive Union, Abia South Chapter, held at the Enyimba International Stadium, Governor Otti described his ongoing developmental strides as “early morning works,” assuring Abians that more transformational projects and reforms are underway.

In his words, Governor Otti stated, “Some of the modest contributions we have made are there in the brochure.

“But I would like to assure our people that this is still early morning. As of two days ago, we have just done 29 months and there is still a lot of work to be done.”

He further noted that he had received and already acted upon the requests made by DIG Azubuko Udah (Rtd.), stating, “I have listened to the request of DIG Udah and thank God it is written. And I have already forwarded that to the Honourable Commissioner for Works so that we will begin work on them.”

The Governor emphasized that his administration’s focus extends beyond physical infrastructure to include holistic governance reforms that touch the lives of every Abian. He disclosed that preliminary works are ongoing in various Specialist Hospitals across the three zones of the State to strengthen healthcare delivery and ensure timely completion of projects.

Turning his attention to the political atmosphere ahead of 2027, Governor Otti cautioned those boasting about future elections to desist from arrogance, reminding them that only God determines the future.

“So, those who boast, I want to advise them to stop boasting. You know why? Because no one is guaranteed of being here in 2027.

“So, if you want to play God, if you want to speak like God, not for God, well, I will leave you in the hands of God. All of you were here in 2023. That is how they boasted. Where are they today?”

Governor Otti, while expressing deep appreciation to the Old Bende people for their love and honour, also commended them for recognizing and celebrating Prof. Nnenna Oti, the INEC Returning Officer for the 2023 Abia Governorship Election, for her courage, integrity, and decisive role in ensuring that the will of the people prevailed.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, praised the people of Old Bende and all Abians for their unwavering support for Governor Otti’s administration, describing it as a sign of confidence in good governance and progressive leadership.

Also in attendance was Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) Dave Nweze Umahi, who commended Governor Otti for his transformational achievements, particularly in infrastructure.

The Minister, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, announced the official handover of key federal roads to Governor Otti for completion, including the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road, Umuahia–Onuimo Road, Ohafia–Arochukwu Road, and the Omenuko Bridge.

Umahi urged Abians to sustain their support for the Governor to ensure continuity of development.

In their separate goodwill messages, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Hon. Alex Ikwuechegh (Member representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency) applauded the Governor’s unprecedented achievements, noting that both Old Bende and Ukwa la Ngwa people are united in their support for Dr. Otti’s re-election.

The Chairman of the Old Bende Progressive Union, DIG Azubuko Udah (Rtd.), and Dr. Chima Desmond Anyaso, described Otti’s leadership as “remarkable and result-oriented,” affirming that the people of Old Bende have never had it this good. They both endorsed him for a second term in 2027.

Other prominent Abians including Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, Dr. Emeh Okoro, and Eze Linus Nto Mbah expressed admiration for the Governor’s achievements within a short period in office and pledged their continued support for his administration.

The colourful event, attended by a mammoth crowd, government functionaries, Executive Chairman of Aba North, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke who hails from the Old Bende political bloc, top government appointees and top dignitaries across Abia and Nigeria. Also the event featured rich cultural displays and a special presentation of honour to Prof. Nnenna Oti, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of FUTO, in recognition of her courage during the 2023 election, a moment many described as divine intervention that liberated Abia State from years of political bondage.

The Old Bende Progressive Union comprises communities from Arochukwu, Isuikwuato, Bende, Ohafia, Ikwuano, Umunneochi, Umuahia South, Umuahia North Local government areas of Abia State and the Edda communities in Ebonyi State.

Governor Otti’s message was clear, Abia has only just begun its journey to g reatness, and the best is yet to come.