Counting the Gains of Gov. Otti’s Exemplary Leadership in Abia
By Ogbonnaya Ikokwu
The infrastructural revolution and resurgence introduced by the Gov. Alex Otti-led administration will remain indelible in the memory of Abians and non-Abians alike for decades to come. This is because the governor has taken the development of the state far beyond the expectations of many who believed in his campaign promises.
Running with the “eye-on-the-ball” philosophy, Gov. Otti, within just two years in office, has demonstrated that good governance is not rocket science. He has tackled longstanding infrastructural challenges that have held the state back for years.
Many of the bold steps taken by the governor to lift Abia out of underdevelopment were initially dismissed by opposition politicians as unrealistic. However, the results so far have proven that he came prepared to deliver on his manifesto.
The completion of the Port Harcourt Road, Aba, using world leading construction giants, Julius Berger; the expansion of Ossah Express Road from four to six lanes; the reconstruction of the Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Akara–Alayi–Abiriba Road; the ongoing construction of the new Omenuko Bridge; and the construction of the Ndi Okereke Abam–Arochukwu Road and the Arochukwu–Ohafia Federal Road, among others, are clear pieces of verifiable evidence of the governor’s resolve to change Abia’s development narrative.
In keeping with his campaign promise of prompt payment of pension and workers’ salaries, the current administration has ended the dark era of owing civil servants and pensioners in the state.
Speaking during an event to mark his second anniversary in office, Gov. Otti revealed that regular salary payments have enabled civil servants to plan ahead. This policy has not only put smiles on the faces of government workers, but has also boosted economic growth. With billions of naira injected into the state economy every 28th day, the local markets experience increased sales, as salary earners spend on food, household needs, and other essentials.
Civil servants are now able to access facilities from commercial banks to invest in capital projects. It’s worth stating that many banks had hitherto stopped offering loans to Abia government workers due to irregular salary payments. Now, civil servants can plan their finances, knowing when to take out loans and how to invest wisely.
Beyond prompt payment, Gov. Otti has also shown strong commitment to clearing salary arrears owed by the previous administration. He revealed that his government has so far spent over N40 billion to offset outstanding salaries and pensions, bringing hope and relief to many families, which had given up on receiving what they earned.
Pensioners have also benefited. Last year, the administration committed N10 billion to offset unpaid pensions, sparking state-wide celebration among retired workers and their families.
Moreover, the partial payment of pensions is now a thing of the past. Pensioners receive their full monthly pensions alongside civil servants on the 28th of every month. Many who previously couldn’t afford their basic needs are now enjoying a new lease on life through this regular payment.
To improve the work environment, the administration has upgraded several government offices. Notably, the Workers’ Secretariat in Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, has been connected to the national grid for power supply. A borehole has also been sunk to ensure regular water supply to the twin buildings.
The perimeter fencing of the secretariat, as well as the upgrade of internal roads and car parks with asphalt, have improved security and ease of movement within the facility. A major milestone in this reconstruction effort is the renovation and retrofitting of the long-abandoned Old Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat, which now accommodates over 1,000 workers.
Another notable achievement is the governor’s internet initiative, which aims to usher the Abia civil service into a paperless era, with a state-wide network rollout expected by the end of the year.
Gov. Otti’s achievements in education are equally commendable. His policy on free and compulsory education for primary and junior secondary schools has tripled enrollment in public schools, reversing a dangerous trend toward mass illiteracy among children from low-income families.
To support quality education, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has already employed 5,300 teachers in the first phase of recruitment, with another 4,000 undergoing screening. The State Government is also renovating and retrofitting primary and secondary schools, while 20 schools are currently being upgraded to smart schools.
The health sector is not left behind. A total of 200 primary health care centers are undergoing reconstruction and many general hospitals are being massively upgraded.
A flagship project, the proposed Abia Medical City, is poised to address the healthcare needs of Nigerians and reverse the trend of medical tourism, which costs the country an estimated $2 billion to $2.5 billion annually.
On security, the administration’s joint task force, codenamed “Operation Crush”, has recorded tremendous success across the state. Although isolated cases of armed robbery and kidnapping persist, the government is working tirelessly to eliminate them.
Gov. Otti is clearly steering Abia in the right direction, with the ultimate goal of creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
As beneficiaries of the people-oriented policies of the Labour Party-led administration, Abia residents are encouraged to own and protect government properties and pay their taxes promptly.
#GovernorOttiIsBuildingTheNewAbia
#ToGodBeTheGlory
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu is a journalist and public affairs analyst writing from Umuahia.