The administration of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has received commendations from public affairs commentators and the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, for its reported focus on infrastructure, accountability and the recognition of notable Abians.
Social critic and contemporary commentator, Godwin Adindu, commended the Otti administration for what he described as its willingness to subject government policies and decisions to public scrutiny.
Adindu particularly cited the governor’s monthly press briefings and his administration’s willingness to respond to questions and public concerns as signs of what he described as responsible governance.
He said the administration had on several occasions responded to public opinion and pressure, describing such responsiveness as a positive feature of the government.
Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, also praised Governor Otti’s performance, placing his assessment within the broader political history of Abia State.
Chidoka recalled the state’s prominence during the early years of the Fourth Republic, particularly under former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, when Abia became prominent in national political discussions.
He, however, noted that the state’s national standing and public infrastructure declined over subsequent years, arguing that the situation created the context for Otti’s emergence as governor in 2023.
According to Chidoka, the key question facing Abia at the time was how to restore the state’s sense of possibility, development and national relevance.
Meanwhile, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, commended Governor Otti for renaming the remodelled and digitally equipped 80-bed Obingwa General Hospital after late human rights activist and pro-democracy campaigner, Chima Ubani.
In a statement signed by its National President, Yinka Folarin, and Publicity Secretary, Adewunmi Adesina, the organisation described the decision as a fitting tribute to Ubani’s contribution to human rights, democracy and social justice.
CDHR said immortalising Ubani through a public healthcare institution would help preserve his legacy while providing a service directly connected to his commitment to the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
The group also welcomed the governor’s directive that the hospital should operate 24 hours a day and provide medical care to patients regardless of their social or economic status.
Governor Otti has also been recognising other prominent Abians, including retired Major-General Ike Nwachukwu, whom he recently celebrated on his 86th birthday.
The governor described Nwachukwu as an elder statesman and distinguished Nigerian who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Employment, Labour and Productivity, and Senator representing Abia North.
Beyond the recognition of individuals, the Otti administration has highlighted infrastructure and healthcare development as major areas of its governance programme.
The administration says it has embarked on the reconstruction of hundreds of roads across the state, including Port Harcourt Road in Aba, Omenuko Bridge, and the Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Abiriba-Ohafia Road.
Other projects cited include the Abam-Ndiokereke-Arochukwu Road, expansion of the Aguiyi-Ironsi Boulevard to Onuimo, rehabilitation and equipping of primary healthcare centres, construction and upgrading of hospitals, and the ongoing development of the Abia Airport in Nsulu.
The administration is also constructing the Prof. Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal in Umuahia, while the Aba terminal is expected to be commissioned in December.
Public affairs analyst, Dr Afam Eche, also commended Governor Otti’s performance and urged other state governors to emulate what he described as his development efforts in Abia.
