Eze-elect hails Otti for putting Abia on fast lane of devt in one year
…Begs Governor, NDDC, Mayor, to provide roads for Nsirimo community
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
The Eze-elect of Nsirimo Amaise Autonomous Community in Umuahia South local government area of Abia State, Dr Charles Chukwuemeka Amanze, has commended the state Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for putting Abia on the fast lane of development in his first year in office.
But he equally appealed to the Governor to extend his magical infrastructural transformation to Nsirimo Amaise Autonomous Community which, the Eze-elect noted, has not been remembered by any government since the creation of Abia State.
Addressing a World Press Conference in his palace on Thursday, May 30, 2024, the High Prince Ugochinyerenwa Amadioha Nsirimo, expressed satisfaction with the performance of Governor Otti since he assumed office.
He said that the Governor has maintained a lazer focus on all sectors of the state, be it security, building of road infrastructure, health, education, environment, trade and commerce, sports and the traditional institution, among others.
“These efforts by the Dr. Alex Otti–led administration have resulted in the enviable, cohesive transformation of Abia as the fastest growing state in the federation under the present dispensation.
“Governor Alex Otti, has no doubt, raised the bar of development in Abia and we pray to God Almighty to sustain him and enable him to realize his vision of a New Abia.
“I hereby passionately appeal to Abians of all Walks of Life to support our performing Governor to succeed,” he said.
However, the Eze-elect also appealed to the Governor to remember the Nsirimo Amaise Autonomous Community in his development plans, especially with regard to provision of rural access roads, saying that roads leading into and out of the community and other internal roads were very deplorable as no new road has been constructed or rehabilitated in the area since the creation of Abia State.
“We need access roads so that economic activities will boom and our farmers can take their produce to the market and make profit,” Dr. Amanze said.
Similarly, he also appealed to the Mayor of Umuahia South and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to also come to the rescue of Nsirimo community by providing it with infrastructure, including roads.
He attributed the lack of government presence in Nsirimo to leadership vacuum in the autonomous community for about eight years now.
“Since the past eight years, there has been a disconnect between the stool (Nsirimo traditional leadership) and the government.
“That is why we are making every effort to restore the stool and make it functional,” he said.
The potential King of the community disclosed that since he was declared Eze-elect and presented to the Mayor of Umuahia South on March 27, 2024, Attorney Ejike Obike, he, together with his Royal Council, has outlined initiatives for the development of the community.
“Within this period, my team and I have made significant strides in addressing our community’s challenges. We have launched initiatives to boost economic growth, improve infrastructure, and support local businesses and our Elders’ support systems.
“We have also taken concrete steps to address environmental concerns, implementing sustainable practices in governance and encouraging businesses to do the same.
“Our goal is to preserve our natural resources for future generations to foster unity and understanding; we have established programmes for inter-community dialogue, cultural exchanges and conflict resolutions. We are committed to building bridges and promoting common understanding to achieve our goals of unity, peace and progress.
“Our Advisory Council ensures diverse perspectives are represented and we will drive the process of our leadership with avowed commitment to transparency, accountability and inclusiveness,” the Amadioha Nsirimo told his audience, promising to offer leadership, not only of the head, but also of the heart.
He appealed to those opposed to his emergence to present their own candidate so that democratic election to chose the king will hold, rather than witch-hunting, harassing and intimidating his supporters who, he noted, have not gone against any law.
“Having this in mind, let us remember that our community’s strength lies in our diversity and our ability to engage in constructive dialogue.
“I pledge to work tirelessly to unite our community and ensure that every voice is heard.
“Together, let us build a brighter future for ourselves and for the generations yet unborn.
“It is time for Nsirimo to come to the limelilght of development in this state,” he said.