Stakeholders And Critics Should Support Governor Alex Otti On Abia Project

The First Military Administrator of Abia State, Air Vice Marshal Frank Ajobena (Rtd.), has commended Governor Alex Otti for what he described as a remarkable restoration of hope, vision, and purposeful governance in Abia State, calling on stakeholders and critics alike to rally behind the Governor, particularly on the transformative Aba Power Project.

AVM Ajobena made the call during a solidarity visit to Governor Otti, noting that under the current administration, Abia has once again become a national reference point for quality leadership and effective governance.
Describing Aba as the “Taiwan of Nigeria” because of the ingenuity, creativity, and industrious spirit of its people.

The former Governor said the city only needed the right leadership and stable power supply to fully thrive , a gap he said Governor Otti is decisively addressing through the Aba Power initiative.

“This is a wonderful homecoming,” Ajobena said, noting that it was his first visit to Abia State in over 14 years. “I came to see for myself the things I have been hearing. Honestly, I could not recognise some places. I am very proud of what I see.”
Drawing a biblical parallel, Ajobena said he came like the Queen of Sheba, to personally verify the reports of progress under Governor Otti’s leadership.

He recalled the excitement and optimism that greeted the creation of Abia State in August 1991, describing the people’s enthusiasm as infectious, but lamented that poor leadership over the years caused that enthusiasm to wane.
“As the founding Military Administrator, I have always felt a deep sense of responsibility towards Abia State,” he said. “What I am seeing today shows that Abia is back on the right path.”

Commending Governor Otti for what he termed selfless and courageous leadership, Ajobena urged the Governor not to be distracted by critics and cynics, stressing that opposition is inevitable in leadership.
“You don’t change a winning team,” he said. “Governor Otti is doing very well.

Everyone including critics should support him to continue and complete what he has started. Continuity is essential for sustainable development.”
Welcoming his guest , Governor Otti expressed deep appreciation for the visit, thanking AVM Ajobena for his service and sacrifices to Abia State. He acknowledged the challenges of governing a newly created state and described the former administrator as a true founding father.
“I want to congratulate you for the work you did between 1991 and 1992,” Governor Otti said.

“That foundational work was critical. Thank you for what you did for Abia State.”
Governor Otti explained that the temporary use of the current office location was necessitated by the failed integrity tests on the old Government House complex in Umuahia, which led to the demolition of both the Governor’s Office and Official Residence.

“We are rebuilding them, and the work is progressing very well. Very soon, we will complete the two buildings and move in,” the Governor said.

He emphasised that his administration is committed to people-centred governance and building on the foundations laid by exemplary predecessors, stressing that the ultimate measure of governance is the happiness and well-being of the people.
“Anytime governance moves away from making people happy, then the government has failed,” Governor Otti stated.

The Governor highlighted key interventions of his administration, including the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road in Aba, construction of the SSG’s Office, remodelling of the Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, and the ongoing rebuilding of the Government House, as part of a broader effort to reposition Abia State and restore its lost glory.

Air Vice Marshal Ajobena was accompanied on the visit by his son, Flight Lieutenant Terry Ajobena (Rtd.), while top government officials present included the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Mereibeole, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, among others.