NEWS
“Ordinarily, I Have Refused to Respond. Someone Said He Wants To Sue Because I Am Not Operating From Government House. My lawyers are waiting” – Governor Alex Otti Says, Dismisses Critics as “Noise,” Reaffirms Commitment to Abians Amid Political Attacks
Governor Alex Chioma Otti of Abia State has openly dismissed criticisms from former state governors, describing their remarks as mere “noise,” while emphasizing his administration’s focus on development and service to the people.
The Governor made the remarks on Thursday at the Government House, Umuahia, during the January 2026 edition of “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,” the state’s monthly media interaction with journalists.
Reacting to attempts by some former governors to criticize his administration, Governor Otti said:
“Ordinarily, I have refused to respond. Someone said he wants to sue because I am not operating from Government House. My lawyers are waiting.”
He explained that the Government House and the Governor’s Office were in a dilapidated state when he assumed office and are currently undergoing reconstruction to restore them to functional standards.
Governor Otti revealed that political disagreements escalated only after a former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, attacked his administration during a visit to Ebonyi State.
“I think he forgot that he was not in his House, he was in Ebonyi where he lampooned us that he will work for the President and ensure that his part takes over the whole of Abia State from the Local Government to the Governorship. If he had been in his House like he has always been, I don’t think we would have responded,” he said.
The Governor also raised questions about the former governor’s political actions, adding:
“We just asked a simple question, this President you have always known, did you work for him in 2023? If you did, show us the results of the election that was conducted the same day his own was.”
He concluded that his relationship with the former governor remained intact until attacks were initiated against his administration:
“Nothing went wrong in our relationship until someone began attacking us.”
In a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to the people, Governor Otti expressed appreciation to Abians for their continued support. He also announced that the electric buses, which have been providing free transportation to residents, will continue operating until the end of February 2026.
Governor Otti’s address reinforced his stance that, despite political distractions and criticisms, his focus remains on rebuilding Abia State and delivering tangible benefits to its citizens.