PURSUIT OF FAIRNESS AND EQUITY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ABIA STATE
By Emeka Nwosu, PhD.
It would appear that the secret of Governor Alex Otti`s success in the management of the affairs of Abia State lies in his strict commitment to the pursuit of fairness, equity and justice as the guiding principles of his administration. Every discerning observer cannot help but commend Otti in the even-handed manner he has continued to approach governance since he assumed the leadership of the State in May 2023. No part of the State is being left behind in the distribution of development projects. Similarly, no individual or group is being discriminated against on the basis of primordial considerations, bordering on creed, tongue or geography.
It is not surprising that the Otti administration has continued to enjoy popular support across the State because of his fair-mindedness and equitable disposition in the management of the affairs of the State. It is instructive to note that he set up special purpose vehicles to drive development in the three senatorial zones of the State. These include the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) and Greater Ohafia Dvelopment Authority (GODA), and the existing Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) which has been revitalized for optimum performance.
Through these structures, which are backed by legislations, Otti is simultaneously pursuing the infrastructural transformation of the State.
Governor Otti has continued to insist that no person or section of the State shall be discriminated against by his administration, and rather everyone would be carried along in the scheme of things. Speaking recently while receiving the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, His Grace, Most Reverend Michael Francis Grotty and his entourage at the Government House, Umuahia, Otti contended that every individual was equal in the eyes of the Lord.
He told the Apostolic Nuncio that: ”We try to treat people equally in spite of religion, creed, tribe, or ethnic group. We are all born poor and we are all poor before the Lord.
“So, we try to treat people fairly and equally. Therefore, we are happy to have you here”.
Governor Otti further noted that the massive support that greeted the announcement of his election victory in 2023 was the reason why his administration would not fail in living up to the expectations of the people.
Otti received a pan-Abia mandate in that election in spite of all the scheming by the then ruling party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to subvert the expressed will of the people.
In his maiden address to the State, the governor made a declaration to serve with his whole heart and without any discrimination against any section of the State. He promised to be fair to all parts of the State in distribution of development projects and resource allocation.
Otti has kept faith with his covenant to serve with distinction, fairness and fear of God. This is evident in the equitable and even-handed manner he has continued to run the State.
The gesture is extended to residents who are not even from Abia. For example, the Head of the Civil Service of the State, Mr. Benson Ojeikere, is from Edo State while Chief John Udeagbala, an indigene of Anambra State was appointed the Mayor of Aba North Local Government Area (LGA). These individuals were chosen on merit by Otti to serve in those exalted positions, regardless of their States of origin.
In the last three and half years, Governor Otti has taken development to every part of the State. He has been intentional about it. In Abia South, he has reclaimed Aba from the ruins of the past and turned it around to the admiration of all. The transformation of the dilapidated Port Harcourt Road, Aba, into a beautiful boulevard of multiple lanes is one of the iconic achievements of the Otti administration.
Still within Abia South, the government is building Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP) in Owaza, Ukwa West LGA.
In Abia Central, the governor has changed the face of Umuahia, which used to have a provincial look. The Ossah Road which is the main approach road to the State Capital was expanded into six lanes and equipped with solar-powered lights, making driving into the seat of power a delightful experience. Within the Abia Central, the government has taken over the reconstruction of Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road which had, for a long time, been a nightmare to motorists.
In Abia North, many projects have been successfully executed by the Otti administration. They include the Uzuakoli-Akara-Alayi-Abiriba-Ohafia Highway which was so beautifully done.
The once dreaded rickety Omenuko Bridge on Bende-Abam Road has been replaced with a brand new Bridge. This is considered a feat as it defied the past administrations in the State. Other strategic projects currently under construction are the Ohafia-Arochukwu Highway, Abam-Ndi Okereke Road and Arochukwu Township Roads.
The people of Abia could not have bargained for a better deal. Governor Otti should remain on the path of fairness and equity and be ready to be rewarded with a fresh mandate in 2027.
May Abia continue to prevail!
Dr. Nwosu, a Public Policy Analyst, writes from Umuahia.
Email: cdnwosu2@gmail.com