They Taught We Were In A Hurry To Take Over But We Were Simply Trying To Maximize Time…Governor Alex Otti

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti says the ongoing reconstruction and expansion of Port Harcourt road, Aba being handled by Julius Berger Construction Company will be completed and ready for commissioning by 29th May this year.

Governor Otti disclosed this while speaking at the monthly media briefing tagged “Governor Otti Speaks to Abians”. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to driving massive infrastructural development, saying that his Government is in a hurry to transform all sectors of the State’s economy.

“We don’t have time. We are in a hurry. So, we have to do so many things at the same time.

“Before you know, the four years is over and you will be wondering what happened and that’s why, even before we were sworn in, we brought Julius Berger to Port Harcourt road and they started the road design.

“Some people didn’t understand what we were doing. They taught we were in a hurry to take over but we were simply trying to maximize time”, Gov. Otti explained.

The Governor, who noted that the ongoing expansion of Library Avenue popularly known as (Bank road ) will be completed before the end of March, 2025, also noted that work is progressing at various project sites across the State including the recently flagged-off Omenuko bridge. He announced that work will commence at Owaza road in Ukwa West LGA as he would be flagging off the reconstruction of the road by next week.

On Power, Governor Otti said a lot is being done to increase power availability and stability across the State as arrangements are being perfected in that regards.

On security, the State Chief Executive acknowledged appreciable level of peace and security across the State as a result of proactive measures put in place by the combined security architecture of the State.

While responding to a question on why he has been working from his private home instead of renovating and retrofitting the Government House, Umuahia in Umuahia that was looted and rendered unusable by appointees of the immediate past administration, Governor Otti insisted that his priorities are delivering results to Abians and not where he operates from.

“You are worried that I am not operating from here. I don’t think you should worry about that. The important thing is that I’m operating.

“Abians want to see activities not where their Governor is staying. Where I live is not as important as having roads in Aba and Umuahia and other Local Government Areas in Abia State.

“It is not as important as ensuring that Aba and Umuahia particularly are kept clean on a 24 hour, seven days basis. It is not as important as ensuring that our people have good hospitals to go to.

“It is not as important as ensuring that our schools are fixed. Those were the area I declared state of emergency on. I didn’t declare emergency on Government House and where the Governor will live.

“So, what the issue is, is that this Government House is important but not as important as some of the things that I mentioned earlier,” Gov. Otti stated.

The Governor further explained that his decision to delay moving into the Government House was based on careful resource allocation, and reassured Abians that the State’s seat of power would be fixed in due course, not just for his administration but for future Governors.

“When I inspected both the Governor’s Lodge and the Governor’s Office, they were in terrible states of disrepair, vandalized and looted.

“Renovating them requires significant funds, but I considered it more urgent to channel those resources into infrastructure, security, health, environment and education.

“I can assure you that in no distance time, since we have taken care of those important areas, we’ll come here and fix it (Government House). Gov. Otti stated.

“Beyond roads, regular and prompt payment of salaries and pensions, a lot more is happening in about every development sector in the State: While the unprecedented achievements in the maintenance, upgrade and restoration of road infrastructure continue to draw applause from millions of Abians and visitors to the State, the often-understated fact is that so much more is happening in other sectors. Today we heard about efforts to resuscitate the public water infrastructure, fix schools and health facilities, train teachers and upgrade curriculum to reflect the dynamics of the age and build a large population of competitive young people. More importantly, we also heard of the ongoing conversation with the management of the Inter-state Electric to purchase their holding in EEDC so as to take greater control of our power and energy future as the Government seeks to drive an industrial revolution programme in the State as a pivot to run its job creation and economic expansion agenda. Talk of governing with clear purpose and you find an excellent portrait in Governor Alex Otti.

The money matter is settled: So much is happening across every development frontier that many are simply wondering where the whole money is coming from. This is unprecedented because before now, the recurring mantra has been “no money to do ABCYZ.” Today we are seeing dozens of projects kicking off simultaneously and not one is left hanging. As at the last count, engineers from the State Ministry of Works are engaged in supervisory duties in about 60 different locations. The team from the Ministry of Lands and Housing work round the clock everyday, ditto for the men and women at the Ministry of Power and Public Utilities. Yet still, the State is not borrowing to finance its projects, rather it is repaying loans taken by previous administrations. How is Governor Otti able to do so much when others are simply complaining? Simple: mastering the act of financial prudence, setting priorities and leveraging on personal goodwill.

 When you are in office, take full charge: Governor Otti appreciates that he was elected to correct decades of maladministration, ineptitude and crass corruption. Most importantly, he understands that he cannot execute his mandate by pointing fingers or abdicating the demands of his office as a result, he is in total control; no godfather, no anxiety over what happens in the next election like most politicians would and no losing focus. This explains why the Governor can tell you with accuracy, all that is happening across the critical sectors; he reads, interacts and observes. He is as keen on details as he is on the bigger picture. Classic commentary in being present and committed to making a difference.

 Abia will be completely different by the end of 2026: Governor Otti mentioned at several campaign stops in the buildup to the 2023 general election that he is determined to create a new frontier where people can set up and grow their businesses, travel for relaxation or happily start a family. Many had dismissed him at the time, comparing him with those who came before him and announced to all who cared to listen that the man was just playing politics. 21 months later, the story is completely different. Umuahia is changing for the better, Aba is in its best ever shape in decades and there is a new sense of optimism that this is the place to be. Even in places like Umunneochi and Isuikwuato, people are seeing great prospects in agriculture and agro-processing businesses, solid mineral exploration and so much more following Governor Otti’s single-minded commitment to rid the area of crime and criminality, create a new hub of commerce and  agriculture, and solid minerals exploration and minning.

And then the questions that should have been asked elsewhere keep making their way to the most important conversation that happens in the State every month: I had wanted to say “irrelevant questions” but then, I don’t know how important those questions may be to those asking them but this is where prudence comes in. When an issue can be addressed by the headmaster of a community school, why bring it to the attention of a State Governor? “There is a spot that is smelling in the village…” So? What happened to public officials directly charged with managing such situations? Are such questions not better directed at those who have been given public sector assignments within such jurisdictions? Classic case of abuse of access…Alex Otti said.