Don’t trade Abia’s future for political gratifications: Otti cautions voters
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, Umuahia
The Abia State Governor Alex Otti, has cautioned Abia voters against exchanging the state’s future for temporary political gratifications, urging them to reject inducements from politicians and sustain the gains of good governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Otti stated this on Sunday while speaking as a guest to the Second Session of the Seventh Synod of the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Aba Ngwa North, held at All Saints Anglican Cathedral, Abayi, Umuocham, Aba, on the theme, “Don’t Just Absorb It; Think It Through,” drawn from Acts 17:11-12
The governor who represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, urged the electorates to consider the long-term implications of their political choices rather than allowing immediate material benefits to determine their decisions at the polls, adding that the politicians that ruined Abia over 24 years are on the prowl again.
He maintained that some of the politicians seeking the support of Abians were responsible for the problems his administration is currently addressing, and warned voters against being deceived by their renewed political activities.
He said,“The people that created a problem that God now had to answer your prayer to send someone after His own heart.
“They are all over again. But the Bible says surely they shall proceed no further. Please, let us be careful.
“When God opens a door, may we not close it. Don’t use the ₦5,000, the ₦10,000, the wrapper or the rice they will give you and close the destiny of Abians for the next four years. Even prayer and fasting will not open it,
“May we not lose what God has given to us on the platter of gold.”
Otti urged Christians to be vigilant as politicians intensified their engagements ahead of the elections, warning that some political actors who had previously neglected the church and its members are suddenly becoming attentive for political reasons.
“Like we have been told, the season is here again, and politicians are everywhere. The Bible says we are not ignorant of the devices of the enemy.
“These are devices. Many of them who have not been coming to church have started coming to church.
“Many of them who have not been accepting or taking your calls have suddenly started calling you. If you call them and you miss their call, they call you back. Those are devices,” he said.
The Governor said the first three years of his administration had largely been devoted to laying a solid foundation for the state’s development, assuring that the next four years, from 2027, would focus on consolidation on good governance.
“Those who build houses will understand that foundation-laying is the most crucial, and the foundation has been laid after 24 years of ruins.
“What will now be happening is consolidation and beauty will emerge. This present house you are seeing today, those who see that kind of house, Abia State, in the next four years, you will know that God has really come to tabernacle in the midst of man. Today Abia State has become a point of reference,” he said.
On the church’s development projects, Otti assured the congregation of identifying with the church project until it is completed, while reiterating his administration’s position that public funds must be used for the development of Abia state rather than individual religious projects.
The governor, who commended the guest speaker for delivering what he described as an appropriate and unadulterated message for the present time, said Christians have a responsibility to verify information and critically examine issues before reaching conclusions.
He noted that the theme of the synod was particularly relevant as the country approaches another political season, adding that Christians could help change the negative narratives surrounding Nigeria and Abia state through informed decisions.
“Christians, we have the capacity to change the negative narrative of this nation, and especially our state,” he said.
Earlier, the Bishop of Aba Ngwa North Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Dr Nathan Kanu, said the synod’s theme challenged Christians to go beyond merely hearing messages to thinking deeply, examining issues prayerfully and responding wisely.
Rt. Rev. Kanu commended Governor Otti for identifying with the church and supporting her activities. He also presented gifts to the Governor’s representative and prayed for God’s blessings upon the Governor and his administration.
In his sermon, a guest speaker and Bishop of Ohaja/Egbema Diocese, Rt. Rev. Chidi Oparajiaku challenged Christians not to take everything for granted but always think through whatever they heard.
Rt. Rev.Oparajiaku, who spoke on the topic, “The Bereans Wisdom”, took his text from Acts 17:12-15, and emphasised the need for Christians to always think everything through before they take action.
He said that the theme of the synod, “is very important and apt in this our time, it didn’t say throw it away, it says think through it” and regretted that Christians who are supposed to know better are being victims in these last days.
According to him, “When members of the church know the Bible, they would not be deceived.
“Because the church refused to behave like the Bereans. Bereans Christian never take everything for granted they always think through whatever they heard,” Rev. Oparajiaku emphasised.
The servant of God thanked God for giving Ndi Abia Governor Otti, who has changed the narratives of Abia people for good.
The synod attracted several dignitaries, including the National Vice Chairman of the Labour Party, South-East zone, Hon. Ishmael Onuoha; State Chairman of the Labour Party, Sir Peter Azubuike; Mayor of Osisioma Local Government Area, Hon. Chidi Agu; the Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties, Dr George Chiedozie, Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Sir Godson Anucha, and Pastor Bob Udeagha a foremost Aba Industrialist among others.