Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has been praised for developmental initiatives and infrastructure development across the state.
A group by the name CountryFirst Movement issued the praise in a statement over the weekend, saying Otti’s exceptional governance model was not only commendable but worthy of emulation by the states of the federation.
In the statement signed on behalf of the group by its spokesperson, Professor Jerry Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia jnr, the group said it has noted the accountability and leadership driven performance of Governor Otti since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.
He added that the governor has been implementing reforms in key sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, security and economic development.
Stakeholders said the governor’s achievements are based on vision, reforms and service delivery.
They also stated that leadership is characterized by professionalism, data-driven decision making, and transparency.
“We are not surprised that he is a renowned banker turned politician. He has brought the discipline of the private sector to the public sphere,” the group said.
He added: “We note that your pact is clearly intended to serve all Abians, not just a few people.
“We discovered that from the beginning it had declared emergencies in key sectors: roads, health, sanitation and security, which marked a clear departure from business as usual.
On infrastructure, the group said more than 140 roads have so far been built or rehabilitated across Abia State, “and these include rural bypass roads connecting previously isolated communities.
“The widening of Ossah Road in Umuahia into a six-lane boulevard (now Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard) and the major works in Aba attest to the ambition of this exceptional leader.”
According to the group, the governor understands that business depends on reliable electricity and has focused on improving energy supply and addressing infrastructure bottlenecks in the sector.
“These efforts have shown a change from fragmented works to strategic infrastructure with economic and social impact.
“Our point of reference now is not only the kilometers built but the economic and social impact they generate,” the group said.
The statement also noted that the Otti administration has placed a clear emphasis on health and education as foundations for long-term growth.
“The State has launched “Project Ekwueme” to upgrade primary health care centers in all 184 districts of the state and renovate tertiary facilities, including the State Teaching Hospital, for Education and Recruitment, where thousands of teaching staff have been recruited and very profound improvements are being made to school infrastructure.
“The payment of pensions has also been one of the key issues that we consider a priority on this government’s agenda, with the payment of long-neglected salary arrears, thus restoring the dignity of workers and retirees,” the group added.
The statement added that the Otti administration has recognized that Abia’s strength lies in entrepreneurship, industry (especially around Aba) and a favorable business climate, which is why the administration has prepared state investment.
The statement stated that the Otti government has made Abia “a model of good governance and responsible leadership.”
The group added: “Dr Alex Otti’s performance is transforming Abia into a standard of excellence in public service. The governor’s achievements reflect what visionary, people-centred governance can offer.”
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