A group of non-politicians from Abiriba in Abia North Senatorial District on Saturday declared its commitment to sustaining good governance beyond 2031 and endorsed Governor Alex Otti for a second term, citing what it described as his “exceptional and visible performance” across key sectors.
The group, comprising leaders of a non-political and non-partisan alliance for good governance in Abia State, alongside stakeholders, captains of industry, professionals, and opinion leaders from Abia North, made the declaration at the end of its inaugural meeting held at the residence of Chief Ebueme Ezikpe in Abiriba, Ohafia Local Government Area.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the group’s spokesman and former secretary to the Abia State Government, Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, said the gathering was convened to strategize on sustaining the template of good governance established by the Otti administration.
“The purpose was simple: to ensure that good governance in Abia is preserved and sustained,” he said, noting that participants came from all five local government areas in Abia North—Bende, Ohafia, Arochukwu, Isuikwuato and Umunneochi.
“The stakeholders, opinion leaders, captains of industry, accomplished professionals, and prime movers present are not seeking patronage. They are self-made Abians who, by God’s grace, need nothing from government except to see good governance sustained,” he added.
According to Mkpa, participants unanimously commended the governor’s performance in education, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, security, transportation, and public service.
“It was unanimous that Abia has never had it so good. The governor does not need extensive campaigns because his work speaks for him,” he said.
The group resolved to mobilize eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the 2027 general elections and work towards securing the election of candidates of the governor’s party into the state and National Assembly.
It also pledged to protect the governance template established by Otti beyond 2031 to ensure future administrations build on the current achievements.
A businessman and proprietor of Ahudiyannem Queens Football Club, Robert Onyeani, said the improved road network in Abia North had encouraged private investment and enhanced business activities.
“He has reconstructed the road from Umuahia to Arochukwu. I relocated my two football teams and my hotel to Abiriba because of the improved road infrastructure. Our stakeholders have agreed to do everything possible to ensure Governor Otti is re-elected in 2027 and succeeds in handing over to a credible successor who will sustain what he has started,” Onyeani said.
The host of the meeting, Chief Ebueme Ezikpe, said the group deliberately excluded career politicians and individuals seeking political appointments.
“Nobody here is seeking political office or anything from the governor. We are Abians who have witnessed a different style of governance. For over 25 years, Abia was in a deplorable condition. As a businessman in Aba, many of us had to relocate for safety. That has changed,” he said.
Ezikpe added that the group was united not only in supporting Otti’s re-election but also in backing credible candidates who would work with the governor at both the state and federal legislative levels.
