The reelection bid of Governor has received another boost as the Northern and Yoruba communities in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia state have endorsed the Governor for a second term.
Speaking at the Government House Umuahia on Thursday, the joint delegation led by the Sariki of Aba, Sariki Shehu Bello II and the President of Yoruba Community in Aba, Pastor Basorun Adedeji said that Governor Alex Otti has performed exceptionally well and deserves to be reelected in 2027.
Presenting the speech, Sariki Shehu Bello 11 stated: “Your Excellency, as stakeholder in this economic engine of this state, we see your hard work daily from the massive reconstruction of internal roads in Aba, the restoration of the city’s dignity through cleanliness and lightening.
“Your administration has turned our “Enyimba city” into a place where we can once again be proud to do business. Because of your commitment to infrastructure, security, our markets are safer and our logistics are more efficient.
“Your Excellency, it is often said that the reward of good work is more work.
“We have observed the new Abia project. We have reached a collective prayerful conclusion. The progress we see today must not be interrupted.
“On behalf of the Northern and Yoruba communities in Aba, I wish to formally state that we are fully in support of your vision beyond the current time.
“We hereby endorse Your Excellency for the election in 2027. This endorsement is born out of a desire for stability and continuation of the excellence you have introduced to the governance.”
Sariki Bello II assured the readiness of the communities to mobilise and ensure that the light the Governor has lit up continues to shine brightly beyond 2027.
He thanked the Governor for fostering an atmosphere where residents in Abians are treated with the same dignity and respect as Abians by birth.
In his speech, the President of the Yoruba Community in Aba, Pastor Basorun Adedeji, described the changes in Abia, since Governor Otti’s assumption of office as unparalleled.
He expressed profound gratitude for the positive transformation, stating that the endorsement did not occur overnight but was the outcome of deliberate consultations and shared confidence in Governor Otti’s leadership and vision for the future.
“Our endorsement of the Governor and this administration come 2027 did not just occur. We had a series of meetings and consultations.
“We have endorsed Dr. Alex Otti, the man of the people” Pastor Adedeji stated.
Responding, Governor Alex Otti represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, reemphassed his belief in inclusive government, which does not consider one’s religious or tribal linings but sees everyone living and doing business in Abia as an Abia, adding that, the Head of Service of Abia State, Mr. Benson Ojiekere from Edo state was so appointed on merit, a feat that is unprecedented in Nigeria.
“As long as you live or do business in Abia state, you are seen as an Abian. It is unlike what is obtainable in some other states; where people are discriminated against by virtue of where they come from” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor made it clear that, his administration believes in excellence and performance, and stressed the need for them to partner the government to sustain development in the state.
“So, the best we can do is to partner this kind of government, that came very well prepared and does not discriminate against where you come from.
“That’s why today, you can see that those who were here before and could not do anything, are becoming very uncomfortable.
“If they had conscience, they would have discovered that a man that has just come around to do what they could not do, the best they could do is to give him support and appreciate what he’s doing.
“What self-centred politicians do is to try to whip up sentiments that you are from here, you are not from my place, you are not from my tribe, you are not worshipping the same God and all the rest of it. Because they have nothing to offer” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor further advised residents, particularly those who live and do business in Abia, to fully participate in the democratic process by ensuring that they obtain their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and exercise their civic rights in the state where they reside.
