“Those who are not happy with what we are doing, we will not apologize to them. They have had their time. So we have now drawn the line, from now on, Abia is on the rise” — Gov. Alex Otti Declares

…Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Corruption

The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has once again restated his unwavering commitment to restoring the dignity of Abians, declaring that his administration will neither compromise on integrity nor apologize to detractors who are uncomfortable with the reforms currently reshaping the state.

The Governor made this known at the Abayi District of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Aba Conference, where he worshipped unannounced, and later at the Headquarters of Living Word Ministries International during the 50th Wedding Anniversary celebration of the General Overseer and Chancellor of Rhema University, Brother Emma Okorie, and his wife.

Speaking passionately about the guiding philosophy of his administration, Governor Otti stressed that his sole reason for venturing into politics was to restore dignity to the Abia people, not to enrich himself or play the old politics of patronage and corruption.

“What we have come to do in Abia is nothing other than restoring dignity… The only reason I showed up to contest elections is about the dignity of our people. It is not about money. Anything that will not restore the dignity of the Abia Man, count us out,” he stated.

The Governor, who minced no words, also warned appointees of his administration against indulging in bribery or corruption, insisting that anyone found guilty would be shown the exit door immediately.

“That is why you will never see bribery and corruption in this Government. If you get involved, I’ll fire you. We are intolerant of corruption and nobody can plead for you. If you get involved in bribery and corruption, you are gone,” Otti declared.

Citing the transparent recruitment of 5,394 teachers, Governor Otti explained that the process was merit-driven and devoid of favoritism, stressing that no one paid bribes or leveraged connections to secure the jobs.

“Even some of the people who know me very well, I said, go and write your exam… If you pass, we will take you, but if you didn’t pass, we will not take you,” he revealed, drawing loud applause from the congregation.

He then drove home his message to critics who feel uncomfortable with the new governance style:

“Those who are not happy with what we are doing, we will not apologize to them. They have had their time. So we have now drawn the line, from now on, Abia is on the rise,” Governor Otti boldly declared.

The Governor further disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will be in Abia State on October 3rd to commission some of the completed road projects in Aba, including the iconic Port Harcourt Road and Ohanku Road, among others.

In their remarks, Pastor Macaulay Nwosu of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church commended Governor Otti for his transformational leadership, particularly in infrastructure renewal, regular payment of salaries, healthcare, and education. He testified that members of his church were beneficiaries of the teacher recruitment exercise without paying a dime, praising the Governor for dismantling the entrenched culture of bribery.

Similarly, the General Overseer of Living Word Ministries International, Brother Emma Okorie, described Otti’s emergence as an answer to their long-standing prayers for a leader who would fix Abia.

Governor Otti, while congratulating Bro. Okorie and his wife on their 50th wedding anniversary, thanked God for preserving their union and urged younger couples to emulate their enduring love and faith. The celebration featured testimonies from the couple, prayers, and the ceremonial cutting of the anniversary cake.

Governor Otti was accompanie d by top government officials.