I Run An Open Door Policy, No One Dictates For Me —Gov. Otti
Abia State Governor, his Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has said that he has no godfather who dictates for him how to run his government but maintains an open door policy where he listens to suggestions and apply the ones he considers sensible.
Gov. Otti stated this on Sunday December 15th at St. James Methodist Church, Umuda, Isingwu in Umuahia North LGA of the State when he alongside his wife Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Chidimma Otti, despite political party differences attended the thanks giving service of the Mayor of Umuahia North, Hon. Smart Ihuoma.
Speaking to the congregation, Governor Otti said, “One of the pains that happens with politics is that when people come in on the promptings of somebody else, on the support of somebody else, on the basis of the finances of somebody else, then it is very easy to begin to dictate to that person.
“But, I can assure you that we are standing on our feet. There is only one godfather that we have which is the God in heaven. So anybody who has anything to tell us because we maintain an open door policy, we would listen. But those things would not be orders, they would be suggestions”.
He asserted that it was already late for anybody to derail his government, saying that the foundation of his Government is God.
The State Chief Executive assured that by the time he is done serving Abians, those who have nothing to offer will find it difficult to contest elections in the State.
“So, I can assure you that we are just starting and we have a lot of things in stock for our people. One other thing that I can assure you is that the job we are going to do will make it impossible for anybody that is not better than us to even attempt to contest election in Abia State”.
He sighted how bad things were in Anambra State in 1999 before the emergence of Dr. Chris Ngige who despite the pressure on him throughout the short period he spent as the State Governor set a standard that those who came after him would not go below. Since then, the people of Anambra started guiding their democracy to avoid slipping back to bad days again.
The Governor expressed his delight that Abians are showing interest on how the State is being governed, hence, he put himself on the hot seat of media scrutiny every month through his monthly chat to give account of his stewardship to Abians and answer their questions.
He reassured Abians that he will never disappoint them and thanked the church members for their continued support and prayers.
Earlier in his Thanksgiving speech, the Mayor of Umuahia North, Hon. Smart Ihuoma thanked God for his Electoral victory. He acknowledged the significant role of Governor Otti and his wife in his political Journey and eventual emergence as the Mayor of Umuahia North.
Earlier in his sermon, the officiating priest, Rev. Dr. Chidi Okeke called on Christians to always do good and extend helping hands to the needy especially this yuletide season. He commended Governor Otti for his good works in the State which have brought enormous joy and happiness to the people of the State, declaring that the Governor will serve the State the two terms of 8 years to finish the good works that God is using him to do for the State.
He led the Church to a fervent prayer for the Governor, his family, his entourage and the State.
Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.