Otti Rallies Southeast, South-South Leaders On Unity, Justice For Sustainable Development

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has called for strengthened unity, justice, fairness, and collaboration among leaders in the Southeast and South-South regions, stressing that collective effort remains the most reliable path to sustainable development.
The Governor made the call while addressing members of the Southeast Traditional Rulers Council during their meeting held at the JAAC Building in Umuahia.

Governor Otti reminded traditional rulers of their enduring responsibility to uphold justice and fairness in their domains, noting that unlike political offices, their roles are lifelong and deeply rooted in community trust.
He emphasized that meaningful progress can only be achieved through unity across political and traditional divides.
“If you want to go very fast, you go alone, but if you want to go far, you go together. The message is very clear — from now henceforth, we should all go together,” the Governor stated.
Addressing perceived divisions among political leaders, Otti dismissed claims of disunity within the Southeast Governors’ Forum, explaining that differences in governance priorities are often shaped by the unique needs of individual states.
“Sometimes, people create in their imagination differences that don’t exist. We all work together, but what one State requires may differ from another. Comparing Governors is like comparing apples and oranges,” he said.

The Governor outlined his administration’s development strategy, noting that interventions in Abia are driven by pressing needs, particularly in road infrastructure, healthcare delivery, and education.
He further underscored justice as the cornerstone of leadership, describing it as both a moral and divine obligation.
“Power belongs to God. Anytime you are given the opportunity to lead, it is a gift from God and you must not disappoint Him… justice is fairness, equity, and righteousness,” Otti emphasized.
Reaffirming his commitment to fairness, the Governor cited his appointment of a non-indigene as Head of Service as evidence that merit and due process remain central to his administration.
“You cannot deny someone an opportunity because of where he comes from. That is not justice. Justice must be seen and must be done,” he added.

Governor Otti also paid tribute to the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe, describing him as a mentor and father figure, while announcing plans to host his 85th birthday celebration in Abia State on May 15.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu, described the gathering as a convergence of “wisdom, tradition, and collective responsibility,” highlighting the vital role of traditional institutions in grassroots governance and peacebuilding.
He outlined key achievements of the administration, including major infrastructural projects such as the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road, revitalization of over 200 primary healthcare centres, recruitment of nearly 10,000 teachers, and sweeping institutional reforms.
The Commissioner also highlighted grassroots-focused initiatives like Abia TechRise, youth empowerment programmes, agricultural training, solar-powered evening markets, and enhanced conflict resolution mechanisms, urging traditional rulers to deepen collaboration with government in addressing insecurity and unemployment.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Linus Nto Mbah, commended the government’s strides in security, infrastructure, healthcare, and education, while expressing concern over declining cultural values and rising communal conflicts.
Similarly, the Chairman of the South-South Monarchs Forum, Chidi Awuse, stressed the importance of unity, regional cooperation, and support for constituted authorities, noting that collective action yields stronger outcomes.

The meeting reaffirmed the critical role of traditional institutions in promoting peace, security, and development, with stakeholders calling for sustained synergy between government and royal fathers to build resilient and prosperous communities.
Dignitaries at the event included the Mayor of Umuahia North LGA, Smart Ihuoma, top government officials, and a retinue of traditional rulers.