Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has declared that his administration will not allow a return to what he described as an era of political intimidation, opposition suppression and political profiteering in the state.
The Governor made the declaration on Sunday during the flag off of his re-election campaign at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Umuahia, where he called on residents to support his bid for another four-year term.
Addressing supporters, Otti said Abia had overcome years of what he described as man-made hardship and poor leadership, adding that the political struggle to change the state’s leadership was eventually achieved in 2023 after his previous attempts in 2015 and 2019.
He declared that the state would not return to what he described as an era of irresponsibility and intimidation, insisting that political differences should never be used as a reason to victimise residents or destroy their properties.
The Governor specifically recalled the experiences of Abians whose properties were allegedly demolished because of their political affiliations, promising that such incidents would not be allowed under his administration.
Otti said his major priority was to leave the state better than he met it, urging residents to support what he described as his administration’s development agenda.
Highlighting his government’s achievements, the Governor listed investments in tertiary education, particularly Abia State University, Uturu, and Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba.
He also cited efforts to revive industries in Aba, support small and medium-scale enterprises, and strengthen agricultural production to improve food sufficiency across the state.
According to him, his administration has also worked to restore the dignity of Abians and encourage their participation in development discussions.
Otti called on voters to support the Labour Party in the forthcoming general elections, urging them to vote for the party’s candidates across elective positions.
In a related directive, the Governor instructed state functionaries to make public facilities available to any political party or candidate seeking to use them for campaign activities, provided the required fees are paid and applicable regulations are observed.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
