Don’t Return To Egypt — Abia North Elders Warn Against Return To Bad Governance, Endorse Otti Beyond 2027 – MEDIA TODAY

Group says Abia has never had it so good; urges voter education, protection of votes

UGWUEKE — Elders and stakeholders of Abia North under Alliance for Good Governance have warned Abians not to return to past era of bad governance, insisting that good governance currently enjoyed under Governor Alex Otti must be sustained at all costs.

The group issued the warning in a communique at the end of its second edition meeting held at country home of Sir Johnson Chukwu in Ugwueke, Bende Local Government Area. The first edition was hosted at Abiriba by Chief Ebueme Ezeikpe.

The meeting drew representatives from Arochukwu, Bende, Isuikwuato, Ohafia and Umunneochi LGAs.

In a communique read by Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, the elders said it was unanimous that present administration of Governor Alex Otti represents good governance Abia has prayed for over years, and wished that beyond 2031, next generation of leaders will continue template enunciated by administration.

“Abia has never found it so good in terms of good governance. And that this good governance must be sustained at all costs. We shall continue to improve and grow from strength to strength,” they stated.

The group said it is not enough to wish Otti remains in power beyond 2027, but that all hands must be on deck to actualise the dream through voter education at grassroots, particularly among illiterates, and mobilisation of youths not to sell their votes.

“We agreed that youths must be mobilised and advised not to succumb to pressure or inducement from other parties. That they should not sell their votes. If anybody gives them money, let them collect, but at right time they should vote for Dr. Alex Otti,” the communique said.

Describing themselves as nonpartisan elders and lone voice crying in wilderness, they urged Abians to ensure voters cards are ready and to come out to vote and defend their votes whether raining or shining.

“Abians, wake up. Don’t miss this opportunity. Don’t return to Egypt. Don’t return to Babylon. Forward ever, backward never,” they said.

The group also saluted former Minister Dr. Uche Ogah for his courage, saying he has shown courage of conviction by speaking out.

They further prayed for Otti’s administration not to rest on its oars but to continue breaking new grounds.

“In the past, we trembled, we were afraid, we were intimidated to be identified as Abians. But today we can raise our shoulders high and say proudly, we are Abians,” communique added.

In an interview, the host, Chief Johnson Chukwu said Alliance for Good Governance, Abia was formed to institutionalise good governance as exemplified by Governor Alex Otti.

Chukwu disclosed that the purpose of the Alliance is to bring together opinion leaders and people of influence to shape the direction of governance in Abia state.

“We are fortunate as a people of Abia State that we now have a good government. A state that level of governance everybody is talking about. We elected among ourselves, these opinion leaders in Abia North, that we need to make sure we institutionalise this good governance in the state, starting from Abia North, all through state, all through federation,” Chukwu said.

He stressed that the achievements of Governor Otti are numerous and almost impossible to list, ranging from soft structure to super structure.

Former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah, said almost everyone present has a political structure meant to go to grassroots to enlighten people.

“Abians are enlightened people. They know what is good and what is bad. And the difference is clear. They are all working towards ensuring re-election of Dr. Alex Otti,” Ogah said.

He thanked Abians for believing in them in 2023.

“They have seen there is good governance. There is infrastructure everywhere. There is growth in every strata. There is traction in every sector in the economy of Abia State. We want the same traction to continue,” he said.

Ogah called on Abians to come out en masse to support Otti till 2027 so Abia will be reckoned among states doing very well.

Also speaking, renowned economist, Chief Urum Kalu Eke, said he and Otti come from the same stock of bankers and he knew the quality Otti represented.

“What he represents as a professional is what I also represent, which is quality and sound governance. I was invited to lend credence to the fact that we have one of us that left industry to make a difference in Abia and we are proud of his representation,” Eke said.

He said Otti has demonstrated quality by replicating private sector principles at public sector level.

“Even his brother governors have used him as a reference point to say this is what governance should be. It is non-partisan, across the divide, everyone spoke along the same lines that performance has to be sustained. You don’t want to break the chain,” Eke said.

He added that what Abia has seen in the last two years is just a teaser, as the governor has huge plans, and expressed hope that the electorate will reward performance with another term.