Otti Slams Divisive Politics, Warns Against Self-Serving Narratives Masquerading As Group Interest

• Governor Alex Otti cautions Nigerians against embracing divisive political narratives driven by personal ambition rather than public interest.

• Says ethnic and clan-based Politics undermine merit, competence and effective governance while breeding unnecessary hostility.

• Reveals long-time ally Dr. Nwabuisi Elelenta faced persecution for supporting his governorship ambition years before his victory. Urges citizens to emulate selfless leaders who sacrificed personal gain for national development and unity.

August 17, () — Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has launched a scathing attack on divisive Politics, warning that Nigerians must resist selfish political narratives disguised as the collective interest of ethnic and regional groups.

Speaking at the 40th wedding anniversary celebration of Dr. and Mrs. Nwabuisi Elelenta, the governor lamented that political actors often manipulate public sentiment by packaging personal ambitions as communal causes, leading unsuspecting citizens into unnecessary conflicts.

According to Otti, such narratives have repeatedly divided families, friends and communities while contributing little to governance or the welfare of ordinary people.

“Our Politics in Nigeria, Politics in Abia State and Politics in Ngwaland have become vulnerable to narratives carefully crafted by individuals pursuing selfish interests.

“Sometimes, when people craft narratives, a lot of people follow sheepishly, not knowing that the narratives they are crafting are selfish narratives dressed up as group interests. All of a sudden, your brother who has been with you, eating with you, becomes your enemy simply because he has shown up to contest an election,” he said.

Quoting a popular political saying, Otti remarked that Politics often exposes hidden attacks and personal grievances.

“Somebody said, if you don’t want to know who dated your great-grandmother, don’t join Politics,” he added.

Governance, Not Sentiments

The governor questioned the value of Politics built on division, arguing that such campaigns fail to solve the pressing economic and social challenges confronting citizens. He challenged political actors to focus on policies capable of improving living standards rather than exploiting ethnic or clan loyalties.

According to him, political narratives that cannot reduce the hardship faced by citizens or improve conditions in markets have little relevance to responsible leadership.

Otti also reflected on his political journey, describing Dr. Elelenta as one of the earliest believers in his vision to transform Abia State. He recalled that Elelenta, while serving as President of the Association of Ngwa People in the United States, openly supported his governorship ambition despite intense opposition and persecution from those who disagreed with his decision.

The governor disclosed that his long-time supporter remained steadfast throughout the difficult period, standing by his convictions despite pressure from critics.

Otti further revealed that he had forgiven individuals who sought to use divisive political narratives against him, insisting that personal attacks should never overshadow the larger objective of delivering good governance.

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Merit Above Clan Politics

Otti condemned clannish and sectional Politics, warning that they undermine competence and public interest by elevating narrow considerations above merit.

He urged citizens to reject Politics driven by ethnic sentiment and instead support leaders based on character, vision and capacity to deliver results.

Otti also called on Nigerians to draw inspiration from the country’s past heroes whom he described as selfless patriots who placed service above personal enrichment.

He cited former Head of State, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, former Minister Jaja Nwachukwu and the late Premier of the former Eastern Region, Dr. Michael Okpara, as examples of leaders whose sacrifices continue to inspire future generations.

“Our great-grandparents were great people. That’s why we decided to honour Aguiyi Ironsi. We honoured Jaja Nwachukwu, and we will continue honouring those who made sacrifices. They were not sentimental or myopic. Some of them, like M.I. Okpara, didn’t even own a house. He could have amassed wealth, but he chose service,” he said.

Drawing from his banking background, Otti cautioned against the obsessive pursuit of wealth, noting that material possessions ultimately become meaningless after death.

“As a former banker, I can tell you that much of the money people struggle to accumulate is unnecessary. When you close your eyes and never wake up, that money often ends up in the hands of those you never intended,” he said.

Governor Otti urged citizens to emulate Dr. Elelenta’s courage and steadfastness, describing him as a man who remained loyal to his convictions despite adversity.

He also paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Elelenta, describing her as a virtuous woman whose support had contributed significantly to the success of their four-decade marriage.