Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has declared that his administration is committed to restoring the dignity of Abia people, asserting that the aim is to ensure the state never returns to what he described as “Egypt” — a metaphor for past misgovernance.
Speaking in his office while receiving a delegation of the Old Bende Progressive Union, led by Hon. Mascot Alex Ikwuecheghe, member representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, and the Union’s Chairman, DIG Azubuike Udah (rtd.), Governor Otti reiterated that governance must prioritize the welfare and security of the people.
“The dignity of our people is being restored,” the Governor said. “Once we retrieve our state fully and demonstrate that good governance is possible here, it becomes very difficult for anyone to drag us back to Egypt.”
He expressed appreciation to the people of Old Bende and the wider Abia populace for their support and disclosed plans to host three members of the Super Falcons who recently won the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Among the trio are two Abia-born players and another who was raised in the state.
Governor Otti also emphasized the need for unity beyond party lines, stating that political parties are merely platforms for elections, while governance requires collective effort.
In his remarks, Hon. Ikwuecheghe praised the Governor for transforming Abia’s infrastructure within just two years. He said the state had moved from being ranked among the worst in the country to becoming a model of progress.
“Our people can now proudly say they are from Abia State,” Ikwuecheghe said. “We’ve resolved that no son or daughter of Old Bende will contest the governorship in 2027. There is no vacancy in Government House between 2027 and 2031.”
Presenting a communique signed by stakeholders of the Union, Chairman DIG Azubuike Udah (rtd.) informed the Governor that Old Bende had unanimously endorsed him for re-election in 2027. He highlighted landmark projects such as the Abia International Airport, the Abia Seaport, the Sports City, and the Industrial and Innovation Park as justification for their endorsement.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Aba Landlords Association, popularly known as “Vote for Jesus,” who hails from Edda in Ebonyi State—part of the Old Bende region—commended Governor Otti for his developmental efforts and dedication to workers and pensioners’ welfare. He assured the Governor of continued support from residents of Aba, many of whom are from Old Bende.
Senior members of the State Executive Council joined the Governor during the meeting.
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