Otti Signed 18 Executive Bills Into Law, Gives Reasons

Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, has given an explanation for his decision to sign 18 executive bills into law.

Otti, during an enlarged State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting on Monday, said the new laws “encapsulate thoughtful legislative provisions for achieving my government’s vision in critical areas, such as performance-based administration, accountability, and delivery of good governance”.

The legislations, he said, “Align with the survey of the community and neighbourhood development proposals, captured in my manifesto and the recommendations of the transition committee report of 2023.”

While commending the State House of Assembly for its “focused leadership and commitment to the new Abia” and for “providing strong legislative support to the program and policy outlays of the Executive branch of government,” he highlighted the effects of the bills so far signed into Law under his administration.

He stated, “Without legislative support, much of whatever is achieved in the short period of time could have cost a lot of money. And, I have no doubt that the volume of legislation we have put in place will guarantee the sustenance of the gains that have been made over the last two years.

“Whether you are looking at managing infrastructure expansion protocols, a greater development roadmap, or smaller agencies of government, many of us in this room would agree that a lot is changing in terms of development approach in our urban and semi-urban centres.

“My conviction is that the excellent leadership of the new government will not just endure, it will bear even greater fruits in the years ahead. What we have gathered to do this afternoon represents another layer of our holistic government philosophy. This session offers us a unique opportunity to tie us as partners with the shared vision of building a new Abia.”

Presenting the bills earlier, the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa described the bills as “abstract, but very impactful on the people,” adding that some of them are amendments.

Emeruwa said, “These 18 bills, some are amendments to the old laws. The results and effects of the bills will be visible in the lives of the people”, noting that Otti’s administration has brought joy in the State and assured the continuous support of the Executive by the Legislature.

In their goodwill messages, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Meregini, the Majority Leader, Uchenna Kalu Okoro, and the Member representing Ukwa West State Constituency, Hon. Godwin Adiele said Otti has maintained pragmatic, focused, and visionary leadership in the state and assured of the cooperation and collaboration of the State House of Assembly towards the sustenance of good governance in the State.

Reviewing the bills and laws, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ikechukwu Uwanna disclosed that a total of 30 executive bills have so far been passed under Governor Otti, noting that the government of Dr. Otti runs on “transparency and policy-driven bills” and laws that he said are in line with the manifesto of the governor.

The Commissioner listed some of the 18 bills signed into law to include: Abia State Senior Citizens Law 2025, Abia State Road Maintenance Agency (repeal) law 2025, Abia State Estate Development Agency (Repeal) Law 2025, Abia State Orientation Agency (Amendment) Law 2025, among others.