We don’t govern Abia by assumptions, says Otti

By Steve Oko

Governor Alex Otti stated that his administration’s grassroots engagement initiative across Abia communities is designed to deliver governance that reflects the real needs of citizens rather than relying on assumptions.

Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Caleb Ajagba, at a town‑hall meeting in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area, the Governor emphasized that each community faces distinct developmental challenges that the government must understand firsthand before launching projects.

“We don’t want to govern based on assumptions because every community has peculiar needs,” Ajagba said.

“That is why we are engaging the people directly—to know exactly what they want,” he added.

He assured residents that requests submitted during the engagement would be translated into practical projects and programmes capable of transforming communities across the state.

Ajagba highlighted the achievements of the Otti administration in less than three years, noting that they set it apart from previous governments, and expressed optimism that Abia would experience greater transformation before the end of the governor’s tenure.

He also implied that leaders with genuine problem‑solving capacity would not create the problems they face. “Today, Abia is being celebrated because God prepared a leader with solutions,” he declared.

The Chief of Staff urged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and to support good governance through active participation in the electoral process.

He further assured vulnerable groups and Persons Living With Disabilities (PWDs) that inclusive policies and sustainable empowerment programmes would focus on economic self‑reliance rather than temporary handouts.

Stakeholders and community leaders presented a list of priority needs, including roads, electricity, water supply, healthcare facilities, classroom rehabilitation, employment opportunities, and improved welfare for PWDs.

Temple Nwosu, Chairman of the Organising Committee, praised Governor Otti for the grassroots engagement initiative, noting that it gave communities a platform to present their developmental needs directly to the government. He said a compiled list of priority demands would be submitted to the Governor through the Chief of Staff, highlighting key needs such as roads, potable water, rural electrification, classroom rehabilitation, and improved healthcare facilities.

Rev. Sampson Azubuike, speaking for President‑Generals in the area, called for the citation of a key project in every community.

HRH Onyinye Alozie, Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers in the LGA, urged Governor Otti to give urgent attention to the development requests of the people.

Comrade Vine Sampson, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), called for greater involvement of workers in governance, for recruitment to fill vacancies created by retirements and deaths, and for the establishment of an ICT centre at the council headquarters.

Princess Ngozi Nwaguru, speaking for Persons Living With Disabilities, decried discrimination against PWDs and demanded greater inclusivity, including ramps in public buildings, a five per cent employment quota, and mobility aids such as wheelchairs and crutches. “We also deserve empowerment and opportunities for self‑reliance,” she said, while commending the Otti administration for its support toward PWDs.

Hon. Chiemela Wagbara, Chairman of Ugwunagbo LGA, praised the Governor’s grassroots engagement initiative and pledged continued support for his administration.

Other stakeholders, including Amarachi Odochi, Dannie Ubani, and Ikpengwa Eberechi, also commended the Governor’s developmental strides and pledged support for his re‑election.

The Director‑General of the Abia Orientation Agency urged women not to sell their votes, advised youths to shun drug abuse and other social vices, and called for skills acquisition and protection of public infrastructure from vandalism.

The town‑hall meeting at the Ugwunagbo council headquarters attracted a large turnout of stakeholders, community leaders and residents from across the local government area.

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