From Hope Abani, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti has assured residents of Abia State that his administration does not recognise “state of origin” when it comes to governance, stressing that everyone living in the state deserves equal treatment regardless of where they come from.
The governor gave the assurance on Wednesday in Aba while receiving a second-term endorsement from Imo indigenes living in Abia. The endorsement came during a civic reception organised by Ndị Imo in Abia at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Pavilion.
Addressing the gathering, Otti said his government remains committed to inclusive governance, promising that no resident would face discrimination because of their ethnic or geographical background.
“There is no state of origin in Abia,” the governor declared. “Our responsibility is to serve everyone who lives and contributes to the development of the state.”
Expressing appreciation for the endorsement, Otti described the achievements recorded in the last three years as only the foundation for greater progress.
“This is just the beginning. We have only spent three years in office. By the grace of God, the next few years will witness even greater transformation. Once a society has found the right path, there is no going back,” he said.
The governor also addressed concerns over workers who were disengaged from the Abia civil service between 2011 and 2012. He disclosed that he had approved the payment of their entitlements, noting that many of those affected had since reached retirement age and therefore could not be reinstated.
He explained that the approval covers all eligible workers, irrespective of their state of origin, and urged beneficiaries to complete the required verification process to enable payment.
Otti further assured Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma—represented at the event by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Perry Opara—that Imo indigenes living in Abia remain safe and enjoy the same rights and opportunities as every other resident.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Uzodinma, Opara said the large turnout of Imo indigenes reflected their confidence in Otti’s leadership and inclusive style of governance. He encouraged members of the Imo community to continue living peacefully while supporting efforts to strengthen the long-standing relationship between Abia and Imo states.
Earlier, leaders of Ndị Imo in Abia unanimously endorsed Otti for a second term, citing what they described as his impressive performance across key sectors.
They commended his administration for improvements in road infrastructure, environmental sanitation, flood control, security, healthcare, education, transportation, electricity supply, and the consistent payment of salaries and pensions.
The group also praised the First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, an indigene of Imo State, for her support to the administration and contributions to its successes.
Among those who addressed the gathering were Chief Chibuike Achigbu, Chairman of the occasion; Chief James Odocha, representing the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ndị Imo in Abia, Chief Boniface Mbachu; National President of South-East Town Unions, Chief Emeka Diwe; Labour Party Abia South Zonal Women Leader, Mrs. Lilian Ezenobi; and the Abia State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Comrade Chukwuma Azode.
In his vote of thanks, Commissioner in the Abia State Local Government Service Commission, Chief G.C. Duru, reaffirmed the commitment of Imo indigenes resident in Abia to support Governor Otti’s re-election bid in 2027.
