Otti is symbol of good governance in Nigeria – Group
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
A group, Awareness Forum for Abia Development and Economic Advancement (AFA), has hailed the state Governor, Dr Alex Otti, as the apostle of good governance of Nigeria, following his achievements in his one year in office.
AFA, while giving its assessment of Governor Otti’s performance since he assumed office on May 29, 2023, said it was satisified with his scorecard.
“It is therefore in recognition of these achievements in 366 days that AFA is felighted with this government and thereby declares the Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, as the “symbol of Good Governance in Nigeria,” the group declared.
AFA delivered its verdict during a Press Briefing in Umuahia on Thursday, May 30, 2024, saying that its (AFA) efforts to pull Abia out of bad governance has started bearing fruits.
The group which metamorphosed from Abia Freedom Alliance, said it was celebrating the return of good governance to Abia, nay South East, as Governor Otti has caused unprecedented changes across Abia’s landscape.
AFA is an alliance of professionals and elites, set up to help enthrone and sustain visionary, people-oriented, effective and efficient political leadership that would not only kick-started strong socio-political cum economic transformation of Abia State, but one that would signpost the state as the commercial and entrepreneurial hub of Africa.
“AFA therefore stands for Good Governance,” said Francis Ikenga, Abia State Co-ordinator of AFA, while briefing newsmen.
“It is great pride that we gather today to celebrate the return of Good Governance in the South East of Nigeria in the order followed by the likes of Dr. M.I.Okpara and Chief Sam Mbakwe, Ph.D. as we take due cognizance of remarkable achievements of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, in his 366 days as the Executive Governor ofAbia State. Over the past year, Governor Otti’s leadership has driven unprecedented positive change, growth and development across various sectors, thus setting Abia State on a new path to prosperity,” Prince Ikenga added.
He noted that the many roads which Otti has built in the past one year, have “significantly improved transportation infrastructure throughout the state,” enhanced connectivity and formed the building blocks and springboard for the development and economic advancement of the state, just as the Abia Industrial Innovation Park (AIIP) being built in Owza in Ukwa Wedt local government area has established a foundation for Abia’s industrial revolution and economic development, and expected to generate 10, 000 jobs.
Ikenga said AFA was happy that the Abia Commercial sector has been re-energised through remodeling of Ariaria International Market, light up Abia initiative, improved road network, the coming on stream of Geometric Power plant, Aba were “boosting business activities, attracting investments and fostering an economic conducive to economic expansion.”
They also listed education, health, increased budgetary allocation to capital projects and security as sectors the Otti-led administration has done well with innovations.
They also talked about timely payments of salaries and pensions, the non-discriminative principle of the current administration and maintenance of environmental sanitation, saying that it was hoping to see the state move from refuse disposal to waste management.
“We see the Governor building on similar foundations that propelled the economies of the Asian Tigers (South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore) which include Good Governance, Transparency and Accountability; Export-oriented Economy, investment in Small and Medium -scale Enterprises (SMEs) and political stability.” the group noted, adding that they were commending Governor Otti for remaining focused despite distractions from the opposition.
They therefore congratulated the Governor for “his strength of character, his extra-ordinary dedication and these accomplishments,” which they said they were witnesses.
AFA said it was celebrating with Abia people and looked forward to sustained development and economic advancement in the state.
