Abia Guber poll: OKEY IGWE tasks Otti on rapid industrialization

From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy Governorship Candidate in the 2023 gubernatorial election in Abia State, Hon. Barr. Okey Igwe, has congratulated the Governor-elect and candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the Saturday, March 18 governorship election, Dr. Alex Otti, on his victory at the polls.

Hon. Igwe who is currently the member representing Umunneochi State Constituency in Abia State House of Assembly, in a congratulatory message to Abia’s next governor come May 29, 2023, commended Otti for his tenacity in seeking the office of the Governor of Abia State since 2015.

The Abia lawmaker who described Otti’s emergence as the will of God and the wish of Abians, urged the Governor-elect to ensure that under his watch, Abia would attain economic liberation through industrialisation anchored on sufficient power generation.

Recall that Igwe sponsored a bill allowing independent firms to establish power generating and distribution companies in Abia, independent of the public power supply companies like Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), which has been signed into law.

The Oracle Today reports that the incumbent PDP governor of the state, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, had earlier congratulated Dr Otti after a hard drawn battle in which he was personally involved, declaring that further contest was no longer necessary.

Barr Igwe described Dr Otti’s victory in the gubernatorial election as resounding, saying that the present condition of the state lays agenda for rapid economic recovery through rapid industrialization that is fueled by sufficient energy.

He urged Dr Otti to bring his drive, doggedness, tenacity and consistency in running for the office since 2015 to expression by contributing his “quota to Abia’s developmental trajectory.”

“One is not oblivious of the fact that your victory is coming at a time Abians have great expectations and this has placed on you an enormous responsibility which demands nothing less but total commitment towards sustainable development in all sectors of the state to ensure Abia’s socio-economic emancipation,” he told the governor-elect.

In laying propositions for the emerging governor, Barr Igwe sold his personal agenda of rapid industrialization of the state with the support of sufficient power supply and adequate provision of sundry amenities that are germane to enterprise growth.

“During the course of the 2023 campaign, I made it crystal clear that the only path towards economic liberation is industrialization enabled by sufficient power generation. This is a well-settled expedient and I hope you tow that line,” he reiterated.

In pledging provision of focus and direction to the new governor, Barr Igwe informed him that members of the opposition PDP would now hold the LP administration in the state “constructively accountable,” adding that such checks are “necessary imperative for enthronement of a functional democracy.”

“Kindly accept my warm, hearty congratulations on this auspicious occasion of your election as the next governor of Abia State,” Barr Igwe declared.