NEWS
“TINUBU MADE A WISE DECISION FOR ABIA” — GOV. OTTI COMMENDS PRESIDENT AS HIGH CHIEF VICTOR IKEJI ASSUMES DUTY AS FEDERAL CHARACTER COMMISSION COMMISSIONER FOR ABIA STATE
…as Governor Otti Assures on Fairness & Integrity, says “HE WILL NOT BE FOUND WANTING”
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has expressed strong commendation for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, following the appointment of High Chief Victor Ikeji as the Federal Commissioner representing Abia State at the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Abuja.
Governor Otti made this known on Thursday, March 19th, while receiving the newly appointed Federal Commissioner in his office.
High Chief Victor Ikeji was accompanied by members of his entourage during the courtesy visit.
The Governor described the appointment as a significant and positive step for Abia State, applauding President Tinubu for what he termed a recognition of the state’s capacity and contribution to national development.
“I want to also thank His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for this appointment and for recognising Abia in this way.
“I want to assure him that this is one of the best decisions he made, and this appointment is appreciated by Abia people,” Governor Otti stated.
Governor Otti further expressed confidence in the ability of High Chief Ikeji to discharge his duties with diligence, stressing that his administration places high value on fairness, equity, and justice—principles that align with the mandate of the Federal Character Commission.
“I can assure you that he will not be found wanting in doing anything that would promote fairness, equity, and justice. That is what the Federal Character Commission is about,” Governor Otti stated.
The Governor also congratulated the new FCC Commissioner, describing him as a perfect fit for the role and urging him to justify the confidence reposed in him by delivering excellence in service.
“Let me start by congratulating you formally on your appointment as the Abia State Commissioner in the Federal Character Commission.
“We know that Dr. Ekeji is a square peg in a square hole, and we have no doubt that he will perform credibly well, and we are happy for you.
“We want to encourage you to put in your best and make the place a better place than you met it. We also want to assure you that as you stay, we will partner with you and your team,” he said.
Governor Otti also used the occasion to commend President Tinubu’s economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, noting that although the reforms may be challenging in the short term, they are necessary for long-term national stability and growth.
“Some of us have held up positions in the past that completely align with what the President is doing today. One of them is on the petroleum subsidy. I have written extensively in my back page column on Thisday about the petroleum subsidy.
“You can go and look at it. At that time, I still believed that it was a scam. Today, the President was courageous enough to take a decision on it.
“It may be painful, because once you indulge in bad behaviour, by the time you are correcting it, somebody must take the pinch somehow. But in the long run, things will correct themselves,” he stated.
In his remarks, High Chief Victor Ikeji expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for his support and confidence, noting that his appointment was made possible through the Governor’s nomination to the President.
He commended Governor Otti’s leadership style and ongoing transformation of Abia State, describing it as reform-oriented and people-driven.
He further assured the Governor of his commitment to ensuring that Abia State is effectively represented at the Federal Character Commission, in line with its constitutional mandate of promoting fairness, equity, and balanced representation in federal appointments and opportunities.
“As part of this responsibility, I have engaged with the staff of the Commission, Abia State Office in Umuahia, where I emphasised the need for diligence, accountability, and purposeful service.
“I also commended their resilience and assured them that their welfare and professional dignity will receive attention as we reposition the office for greater effectiveness,” Chief Ikeji stated.
He added that steps are already underway to strengthen the operational presence of the Commission in Abia State to ensure proactive monitoring of federal appointments and equitable inclusion of Abia indigenes.
“So that we can proactively monitor federal appointments and ensure that our people are not left behind within the framework of national equity.
“I remain deeply inspired by the reform-oriented leadership of your administration and committed to complementing your efforts by ensuring that Abia State secures its rightful place within the national structure of opportunities,” he concluded.
The visit ended on a warm note, reinforcing a shared commitment between the Abia State Government and the Federal Character Commission towards fairness, inclusiveness, and improved repr
esentation of Abia State at the national level.