Otti Dismisses Defection Rumours, Reaffirms Commitment to LP

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, firmly denies rumors that he plans to switch from Labour Party to APC or any opposition coalition before 2027.

During a dinner in Umuahia on Tuesday, he clarified his political intentions, emphasizing his commitment to Labour Party.

This event marked the beginning of the 2025 mid-year retreat for government appointees, where he addressed the public and his colleagues.

Otti’s statement aims to reassure supporters and stakeholders of his loyalty to his current political platform.

Addressing attendees, Otti reaffirmed his allegiance to the Labour Party and dismissed claims of his involvement in any coalition discussions.

“I’m still a member of the Labour Party and I’m not looking for where to decamp to,” he stated.

He further emphasized that he had not participated in any coalition meetings nor received invitations to such gatherings.

“We are just busy doing the work that Abia people have given us,” Otti added.

The governor acknowledged that while internal challenges within the party had arisen, these issues were resolved through the Supreme Court.

He stressed his commitment to addressing problems head-on rather than avoiding them. “If you don’t have issues, you are dead.

You wake up and there is one problem or the other; you solve the problem. You don’t run away from a problem and pretend to have solved it,” he said.

Abia’s Debt Management and Economic Progress

Governor Otti also addressed allegations that his administration has been borrowing to finance state operations, describing such claims as unfounded.

He highlighted that since assuming office in May 2023, Abia State has not taken any new loans.

“There is nothing wrong with criticising the government, but you must criticise with facts.

Opinions are free, but facts are sacred,” Otti remarked.

Citing a recent report, the governor announced that Abia State has achieved the highest debt reduction among Nigeria’s 36 states, with a 57.20% decrease over the past year.

He emphasized that his administration has not borrowed funds up to this point, but it may consider borrowing later.

The governor explained that future borrowing could fund regenerative investments and vital capital expenditure for the state’s development purposes.

“We will not borrow to eat or consume; we will borrow for capital expenditure,” he assured.

Focus on Infrastructure: Water Projects on the Horizon

Governor Otti announced that providing potable water is a priority for his administration, with significant projects set to commence in Aba and Umuahia in the coming weeks.

“We want to get to that level where you open your tap and you have public water running,” he said.

The water project in Aba will begin near CKC, while similar initiatives are planned for Umuahia and other locations across the state.

To ensure effective project execution, a new Project Implementation Bureau has been established under the leadership of Onyinye Nwosu, a former General Electric employee in Canada who has returned to contribute to Abia’s development.

Celebrating One Year of Economic Advisory Council

The event celebrated the first anniversary of the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council, a 20-member team guiding state development.

On behalf of the Council, Co-Chair Prof. Arunma Oteh expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve and contribute.

She stated, “It is a pleasure to participate in Abia’s growth through this dedicated and impactful Council.”

Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, praised the Council members for their dedication and sacrifices in supporting the administration’s vision.

Key members present included Mrs. Ifueko Okauru, Chair of Monitoring & Evaluation Committee, and Mr. Victor Onyenkpa, Chair of Financing/Roadshow Committee.

Other attendees were Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor, Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu, Dr. Olugbenda Adesida, along with members of the State Executive Council and various political appointees.

Governor Otti concluded by reiterating his administration’s commitment to delivering on its promises and fostering sustainable development for Abia State.

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