Abia LG Mayors Pass Vote Of Confidence On Governor Otti

The Mayors of the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Abia State, under the umbrella of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), have passed a unanimous vote of confidence on Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, and declared their support for his re-election in 2027.

The Mayors made their position known at the Government House, Umuahia, through a communiqué issued at the end of their meeting.

Reading the communiqué during a press conference, the Chairman of ALGON, Abia State, and Mayor of Isuikwuato LGA, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke, stated that Governor Otti’s performance is visible across all the 17 local government areas, noting that his administration has demonstrated strong commitment to good governance, fiscal responsibility, and effective service delivery.

“The administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has demonstrated clear commitment to good governance, fiscal responsibility, and service delivery, with verifiable improvements recorded across the 17 local government areas,” Ekeke said.

He listed achievements in the areas of recovery, rehabilitation and construction of roads, healthcare and educational facilities, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, clearance of salary arrears, and prudent management of public resources.

“ALGON, Abia State, collectively and unequivocally commits its absolute support to the re-election of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, in 2027.

“We hereby pass a unanimous vote of confidence on His Excellency, in recognition of his demonstrable performance, purposeful leadership, and commitment to restoring integrity, efficiency, and service delivery to our people,” Ekeke added.

Responding to questions from journalists, the ALGON Chairman dismissed allegations by some opposition figures that the Governor hijacks local government funds, describing such claims as unfounded.
“You asked whether funds are being hijacked. I am not aware of any funds being hijacked. The Federal Government is responsible for sharing allocations to states and local governments.
“Since we assumed office, funds do not come directly from the Federal Government to local governments. They are paid into the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) account.
So, there is no hijack whatsoever,” he explained.

Ekeke further stated that local governments in Abia State are properly funded and that there is a strong working relationship between the state and local governments.
“There is strong collaboration between the local governments and the state government. As we speak, the state government under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti has been funding local governments through the JAAC account,” he said.

The ALGON Chairman also said the association had taken note of recent political statements and meetings by what he described as “architects of a failed past,” who are unsettled by the current progress being recorded in the state.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to freedom of expression, Ekeke cautioned against attempts to pre-empt the democratic process through speculative political rhetoric.
“ALGON, Abia State, considers it inappropriate for any individual or group to attempt to undermine the democratic process or the visible progress being recorded in the state.

“The unease behind these statements arises not from poor governance, but from the stark contrast between Governor Otti’s achievements and the abysmal record of past administrations,” he said.

He called on all political actors, past and present, to engage constructively and reaffirmed ALGON’s commitment to supporting policies and programmes that strengthen local governance, deepen institutional development, and improve the quality of life of citizens.

The ALGON Chairman was flanked at the press conference by the Mayors of the 17 LGAs, including:
Hon. Timothy Iheke (Aba North),
Hon. Anyanwu Obilor (Aba South),
Hon. Okereke Ezearo (Arochukwu),
Hon. Uwabunkeonye Bassey (Bende),
Hon. Dr. Anthony Nwaubani (Ikwuano – ALGON Secretary), Hon. Innocent Uruakpa (Isiala Ngwa North),
Hon. Nnadozie Nwaogwugwu (Isiala Ngwa South),
Hon. Maxwell Nwadike (Obingwa), Hon. Eleanya Oju-Kalu (Ohafia),
Hon. Chidi Christian Agu (Osisioma Ngwa), Hon. Ihenacho Chiemela Nwagbara (Ugwunagbo),
Hon. Chibunna Akara (Ukwa East), Pastor Hon. Dike Nwankwo (Ukwa West),
Hon. Smart Ihuoma (Umuahia North),
Hon. Chinedu Enwereuzo (Umuahia South), and
Hon. Sunday Afuruobi (Umunneochi).