“Your Successor Will Have A Huge Task To Perform” — Rivers Monarch Tells Gov. Otti

A revered monarch and Traditional Ruler of Rumuevuorlu community, Obi/Akpor LGA, Rivers State, Eze Professor Christian Akani has told the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti that his successor will have a huge task to perform.

The monarch stated this on Wednesday, March 4th, when he paid a royal visit to Governor Alex Otti in his office.

Eze Professor Akani said, that Governor Otti has changed the narratives in Abia State and made Abia citizens proud, describing the Governor as a visionary leader.

“Some people may not understand the depth of my happiness. I am aware of the series of permutations that took place.

“Maybe some of you in Abia State may not know the extent to which the name of Abia State has gone because of Your Excellency (Gov. Otti)

“One thing I saw in you is your doggedness, I see confidence and you had a vision and that vision has materialised.

“We know that whenever you leave this place, your successor will have a huge task to perform beyond what you have done,” Prof. Akani stated.

He told the Governor that he came to show solidarity to him and his government and show him support.

“I need to support you. Because if you succeed, all of us have succeeded. If you fail, all of us have failed. Therefore, whatever thing you think any of us can do to support you, we are ready,” Prof. Akani offered.

He invited the Governor to a programme being organised by his Department in University of Port Harcourt and requested that the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy be sent to represent the Governor on the occasion.

Responding, the Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, expressed his deep appreciation for the visit of his long-time friend, Professor Christian Akani, describing their relationship which started in their University days, as one that dates back more than four decades.

Gov. Otti noted that Prof. Akani was known for his bold and challenging disposition during their student days, often engaging fellow students and lecturers in intellectual debates.

The Governor further noted with satisfaction that Prof. Akani’s department is organizing a remembrance event in honour of the reggae legend, Bob Marley, describing it as a worthy initiative that reflects the department’s commitment to preserving the legacies of a man who used his God given talent to promote freedom and justice and approved the request for the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy to attend and represent him. Eze, Professor Akani presented to the Governor, a photo frame of him, His Excellency, the Governor, and 2 of their colleagues during their NYSC orientation camp in 1988.

Governor Otti, who stressed the need for national unity, said that Nigerians, by nature, are peaceful and accommodating people who co-exist across different regions of the country. The State Chief Executive noted that many Abians, have lived and prospered in other parts of Nigeria, particularly in Rivers State, where they have made significant contributions to the economic and social development.

Gov. Otti stressed that perceived divisions among Nigerians are often amplified for political advantage, rather than reflecting the true relationships that exist among citizens.

The Governor commended the monarch for successfully combining his academic responsibilities with the demands of traditional leadership in his community, and acknowledged that balancing both roles can be demanding, especially when community responsibilities sometimes compete with academic obligations.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, his Arts , Culture and Creative Economy counterpart, Mr Mathew Ekwuruibe, SSA On Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs Magdalene Ugoanusi and other top government officials were present during the visit.