Focused development and the call for partners to step up or drop out
By Chukwuma Elvis
The administration of Gov. Alex Otti has left none in doubt that it means business as it relates to matters concerning the emancipation of Abia from the dark days of rudderless governance. Repeatedly the man at the helm of affairs has said that ‘he is in a hurry to develop Abia’ bearing in mind the obvious fact that not much was achieved by past leaders particularly under the current democratic dispensation.
Therefore the governor has often told his appointees that their mandate is to work and deliver dividends of democracy to Abians thus requiring them to align themselves with his vision to develop Abia’ in a hurry’.
Abia has lagged behind its peers! Even states that came to be after Abia was created have been on the move and gone far ahead of ‘God’s Own State’. Akwa Ibom state was created in 1987 just four four years before Abia but is now light years ahead in infrastructure, dusting Abia in many other areas.
The same can be said of Neighbouring Ebonyi – focused leadership ensured the state was lifted to a very enviable status on the infrastructure scale not just within the South East but across Nigeria. The state was and still remains a reference point when it comes fast, rapid development achieved within a short while.
It is worthy of note to mention that both States have built airports while one has a fully functional and well managed airline which is now the pride of those from that area. These were made possible by leadership which envisioned a better life for its people.
At best under past administrations in Abia, phantom ‘Abia Airport projects’ became conduits to syphon, steal the resources of the state and the commonwealth of the people by a few who evolved a sense of entitlement because they were privileged to be in control of the reins of power at the time. They forget that power is held in the trust of the people and must be wielded to serve the best interest of the majority who select a few through democratic processes to superintend over affairs affecting all.
Dr. Alex Otti is a man who came to the office understanding that he alongside his appointees and their collective action must serve the best interest of the people. The team ensures that resources are judiciously managed to get the most out of what is available, avoiding wastages which sets the plan and goals of the team back.
The Governor of the state has had to call a civil engineering firm to order, threatening to withdraw road construction contracts from them owing to poor performance. The firm – China Civil Engineering Construction Company – CCECC got a reprimand when the Chinese Consul General paid the governor a courtesy visit.
Further instructions were passed to the effect that the firm should not be shortlisted for more contracts until it concludes outstanding jobs. In expressing displeasure before the Chinese Consul General, Dr. Alex Otti has further demonstrated his resolve to have only those ready to deliver set targets on his side.
Once mobilized, no contractor should make excuses and fail expected delivery dates particularly on road reconstruction projects. On this, the Governor has sounded a note of warning to all handling various projects in the state.
The state helmsman has gone as far as withdrawing a road infrastructure contract – Abiriba to Ohafia – from a firm lagging behind set targets on the project. The job has been given to another civil engineering firm adjudged will do better on the road project. Gov. Otti admits it when his administration errs and is quick to make a course correction. This is a hallmark of one who leads from the front and is ready to make necessary adjustments to achieve efficient results.
The Governor teaches that a leader who fails to pay attention to the quality of persons appointed into his team is on the way to fail because team members as executors of the vision, policies and directives of the leader will either help him succeed or fail.
Therefore appointments and contract awards are not based on cronyism as was widely the case under past administration’s; supposedly to settle the boys. Such jobs are abandoned shortly after flag off while funds earmarked and released from government covers end up lining the pockets of ‘the loyal boys’, leaving the people to suffer the aftermath of such actions.
Dr. Alex Otti has come to shine the light in Abia and to show the path of selfless public service for the society to learn from. This is another major milestone of the new Abia where set targets are attained across all sectors.
The infrastructure revolution is on and according to Gov. Otti these are yet early days. Over 50 projects are either already commissioned or just about to be commissioned with fresh projects set to be flagged off. No room will be allowed for any project under the administration to be abandoned because due diligence is given to monitoring and evaluation against the backdrop of set targets.
The good times are here indeed under the ‘eagle eyed’ focus of Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, the performing Governor of Abia, the number one state in Nigeria.
A new Abia is with us.
Chukwuma Elvis writes from Umuahia