NEWS
UNITY ABOVE DIVISIONS: GOV. ALEX OTTI RALLIES SOUTHEAST AND SOUTH-SOUTH LEADERS, CALLS FOR JUSTICE, FAIRNESS AND COLLECTIVE ACTION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has called for greater unity, justice, fairness, and collaboration among leaders across the Southeast and South-South, emphasising that collective effort remains the surest path to sustainable development.
The Governor made the call while speaking at the Southeast Traditional Rulers Council meeting hosted in Abia State on March 20, 2026, at the JAAC Building, Umuahia.
Governor Otti reminded traditional rulers of their enduring responsibility to uphold justice and fairness in their communities, noting that unlike political offices, their roles are lifelong and deeply rooted in cultural heritage and moral authority.
Governor Otti stressed the importance of working together across political and traditional divides, noting that progress is best achieved through unity and shared vision.
“If you want to go very fast, you go alone, but if you want to go far, you go together. The message is very clear from now henceforth, we should all go together,” Governor Otti stated.
Addressing perceived disunity among political leaders, the Governor dismissed claims of discord within the Southeast Governors’ Forum, explaining that differences in priorities are often shaped by varying local realities and developmental needs.
“Sometimes, people create in their imagination differences that don’t exist. We all work together, but what one State requires may differ from another. Comparing Governors is like comparing apples and oranges,” Governor Otti said.
The Governor highlighted his administration’s development approach, noting that interventions in Abia are guided by prevailing needs, including road infrastructure, healthcare delivery, and education, critical sectors that directly impact the quality of life of citizens.
The State Chief Executive further underscored the importance of justice as the cornerstone of leadership, describing it as a divine responsibility that must guide every decision in governance.
“Power belongs to God. Anytime you are given the opportunity to lead, it is a gift from God and you must not disappoint Him. If there is anything you take away today, it is justice — justice is fairness, equity, and righteousness,” the Governor emphasised.
Governor Otti, who has demonstrated his commitment to fairness with the appointment of a non-indigene as Head of Service, explained that merit and due process guided the decision, reinforcing his administration’s stance on inclusivity and equal opportunity.
“You cannot deny someone an opportunity because of where he comes from. That is not justice. Justice must be seen and must be done,” Governor Otti added.
The number one citizen of the State used the occasion to acknowledge and celebrate the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe, describing him as a mentor and father figure, while announcing plans to host his 85th birthday celebration in Abia State on May 15, an event expected to further strengthen inter-regional unity and cultural ties.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, described the gathering as a convergence of “wisdom, tradition, and collective responsibility,” noting that traditional institutions remain vital to grassroots governance, peace, and development.
He conveyed the goodwill of the State and highlighted key achievements of the administration, including massive infrastructural development, such as the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road, revitalisation of over 200 primary healthcare centres, recruitment of nearly 10,000 teachers, and sweeping institutional reforms to promote transparency and accountability.
The Commissioner also outlined several grassroots-focused initiatives, including the Abia TechRise programme, youth empowerment schemes, agricultural training, solar-powered evening markets, and conflict resolution mechanisms, all geared towards inclusive growth and community development.
He urged traditional rulers to deepen collaboration with government in tackling insecurity, youth unemployment, and other pressing regional challenges.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Linus Nto Mbah, commended the State government for its developmental strides, particularly in security, infrastructure, healthcare, and education, as well as improved welfare for traditional rulers.
He, however, expressed concern over the erosion of cultural values and increasing communal conflicts, calling on traditional rulers to remain steadfast as custodians of culture and promoters of unity in their domains.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the South-South Monarchs Forum, Chidi Awuse, emphasised the need for unity, cooperation, and unwavering support for constituted authorities.
He advocated stronger regional integration between the Southeast and South-South, noting that collective action would deliver greater results than isolated efforts, while urging traditional rulers to continue partnering with government to sustain peace and development.
The meeting reaffirmed the critical role of traditional institutions in fostering peace, security, and development, with stakeholders calling for sustained collaboration between government and royal fathers to build resil
ient, united, and prosperous communities.