Abia rededication and Gov. Ottis’ humility before God – a case study of inspiration in leadership

By Ogbonnaya Ikokwu On Oct 1, 2026

By Chukwuma Elvis

It is not often that one encounters leadership with the burden to serve sincerely so consuming that such leadership recognises from the outset that it will not achieve much without Devine guidance and sustainance.

Time was when the story of Abia over a long period became associated with the occult and shrines to the point that it was required of appointees to come before covens as a demand to prove loyalty and allegiance.

Oaths were administered to those willing to be admitted into high office within the administration, all in the bid to enforce and ensure loyalty even in the face of that which is wrong and against conscience.

Reports of those who passed through the system back then became numerous and notorious for demands on intending appointees to accede to initiation through ungodly and dark rituals which stand at variance with Abia and its “Gods Own State” tag.

Therefore, Thursday the 24th of September became a day of realignment as Abia under the leadership of Dr. Alex Otti decided to renew the covenant which became the reference point at the inception of the administration.

Tagged Abia solemn Assembly and Covenant Renewal Service with the theme – REMEMBERING THE COVENANT – the solemn assembly is the rallying point for Abians from all walks of life to rededicate themselves and the state to Godly values and good governance.

Venue of the solemn assembly – the JAAK building within the state Secretariat complex witnessed a mammoth crowd of enthusiastic Abians with deep love for God and a strong desire for the divine presence to mantle and guide the state.

The solemn assembly attracted the presence of the governor, deputy governor, speaker of the state house of assembly, secretary to the state government, head of service, state executive council members, leaders and senior clergymen from all denominations, civil servants and everyone motivated by genuine love for Abia.

All gathered collectively for one purpose which is to redidacate and renew the covenant – a desire to see to the continuation of the good works of Gov. Otti under the guidance of Almighty God – a very significant recognition that “except the Lord builds, they labour in vain that work”.

The key text of the solemn assembly came from the Biblical book of Exodus chapter 19 verse 5 and it reads thus – Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all earth is mine”. An instructive scripture which speaks to the recognition that all that is in existence emanates from God and as the name Abia implies – the state gains its existence and sustenance from God.

This cannot be forgotten or set aside though it was the case for a while and the state paid dearly for that negligence! But thanks be to God that a man from God came and through God has turned the fortunes of Abia around and for that we are THANKFUL.

At the solemn assembly, Dr. Alex Otti recounted his journey into politics and how he survived an assassination attempt which claimed the lives of two policemen, attributing his survival to the special grace of God which urgently led him away from Abuja on the night of the attempt on his life.

Dr. Otti also highlighted his decision to leave a banking career at its peak in 2014, to run for public office in a bid to rescue a sinking Abia, recalling how his father-in-law questioned the move to leave his position as Chairman of the Committee of Bank CEOs.

Though Otti described politics as a very “uncertain territory” nonetheless, he has braved the odds and for God’s protection thus far, he is thankful hence the decision to convene a solemn assembly for thanksgiving, covenant renewal and rededication.

Leading exhortation at the solemn assembly, Pastor of Transforming Church International, Rev. Dr. Sam Oye, celebrated Gov. Otti for achieving remarkable milestones so far.

However, the man of God stressed the need for more work to be done. Citing Joshua 13:1, Rev. Oye said God acknowledged Joshua’s achievements but reminded him that there was still more land to possess.

This indeed mirrors the mindset of the governor, often stressing that because his administration began from a negative position, his team thus far had only laid a foundation upon which the New Abia is being built.

Declaring publicly at the solemn assembly “As for me and my family, we shall serve the Lord. So, if you don’t understand why you are here, this is why you are here. And if you have not taken that decision, it is not too late to take it, because there is no other power”, Gov. Otti acknowledged that power ultimately belongs to God and He gives it to whomever he wills. It is by that power that the people are lifted and cared for.

Acknowledging that the collective prayers from Abians offered at the solemn assembly and rededication service has been heard and answered by God, the people can indeed only rejoice knowing that the future is secure and better days are ahead.

The inspiration is renewed and the motivation of ‘ChiomaAbia’ to continue to serve good governance to the people is heightened.

Abia is indeed ‘Gods Own State’ and the people are in full support of the leader chosen by God for such a time as this to lead Abia liberation and the restoration of its destiny.

Abia is now rededicated good for the glory of God.

Chukwuma Elvis is a public affairs analyst