Abia State Governor Alex Otti has reiterated his unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu, particularly as the president undertakes what he described as “difficult but courageous and necessary economic decisions” to restore Nigeria’s economy.
Speaking at his country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Governor Otti commended Tinubu’s bold move to end the fuel subsidy, stating it was a long-overdue decision.
He made these remarks while receiving a courtesy visit from Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, former Governor of Abia State and current Senator representing Abia North, and Senator Chris Adighije, who previously represented Abia Central. The senators visited to show support for the governor’s work and discuss issues of governance.
Otti explained, “When you talk about supporting President Tinubu, the president and I are very good friends, and our friendship predates party politics and current positions; we agree on so many issues, and as it is natural, we know where we disagree. But when you talk about the economy, what Mr President is doing has always been my position for a long time.
“I urge people to go back and read my columns at the back of Thisday Newspaper some years back, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, where I said that it was time to remove the fuel subsidy when off-takers were rejecting crude shipped to them, saying that they have no need for it.
“So, it requires somebody with courage to remove that subsidy, and I am in support of it. We have behaved in an irresponsible manner for a very long time. And, when you have years of irresponsible behaviour, the correction would be tough, difficult, and painful. It is the correction that we are going through now; if we don’t lose faith, we will eventually get it right.
“So, talking about supporting the president, it’s a no-brainer; I will continue to support him because it is the same administration,” Gov. Otti added.
Taking aim at those already talking about the 2027 elections, Otti criticized the premature political manoeuvring: “People in 2025 are talking of 2027. You can’t even talk about 2027 because there is no guarantee that you would go beyond 2025. Who are you to begin to talk about 2027?”
“Today is certain; tomorrow is a promise. Next, tomorrow is gambling. Let us talk about today; when tomorrow comes, and we are lucky to be part of it, we can hold the discussion. Nobody is competent to talk about tomorrow except that he or she wants to play God.”
Governor Otti also acknowledged the work done by former Governor Orji Kalu, emphasizing the need to move forward rather than dwell on past mistakes.
“Government and governance are a continuum; it can be broken, but you must go back and recover it,” he said, recalling his late mother’s admiration for Kalu’s infrastructure development in Aba. “I can assure you that template is not wrong. You fix the place that generates the revenue, the revenue will come, and you use it to fix other places,” he explained.
Otti recounted a recent show of support for his administration: a resident of Aba donated N200 million to the state government in appreciation of the roadworks being carried out.
He also highlighted the economic revival of Aba: “There is no sleep in Aba now. People don’t go to bed. So, when I was talking about the velocity of money during my campaign, people thought it was a joke. Once people are awake, money is changing hands. And, any time money changes hands, people make money. That’s how the economy works, it’s not rocket science,” Gov. Otti stated.
Looking ahead, he announced plans to keep the state active into the night: “So, we want the people there to be awake, we don’t want the economy to go to sleep by 6 pm. We want the economy to operate like Lagos and Abuja, where people hardly sleep. And, whenever they want to go to bed, they hand over to somebody else,” Otti said, referring to a directive he gave to the Commissioner for Works to light up the Umuahia–Ohafia axis.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, during his visit, expressed regrets for missing Otti’s second-year anniversary celebration due to a commitment with President Tinubu but assured of his continued support.
“You’re my friend for life; you are my brother for life. Whether you are running for an election or not running for election, brotherhood is brotherhood… You have done well for our state. Thank you very much.
“I want to make it clear to you: you have done well, and the State will continue to grow under your leadership,” Dr Kalu declared.
Praising the state’s infrastructural improvements, Kalu added, “I want to thank the Commissioner for the work done on the road rehabilitation in Igbere. I flew (rode) on that road, and it is not the same. That is the truth. It is flying because it is driving and not stopping, and I am really happy with that road.
“I know Abians know what is good for them. They are the only people who will determine who leads their state. When the people feel good, you don’t leave your best, you go for your best.”
He encouraged Otti to maintain a good relationship with President Tinubu, saying, “I want him to be close to the president and not ask him to leave his party,” and wished him and his family well.
Also lending his voice, Senator Chris Adighije said he was proud of his support for Otti, noting that it was beyond political affiliation.
He said he is proud to be an Abian and didn’t make a mistake supporting Governor Otti and would continue to support him, saying that it is not about partisan politics but the progress of the state.
While commending Tinubu’s efforts nationally, Adighije also lauded Otti’s performance in Abia and joined Kalu in appealing to the governor to continue supporting the president.
