Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has called on residents of the state to ignore what he described as recent “noise” and gatherings by opposition politicians, insisting that such actions are driven by selfish interests rather than concern for the welfare of Abians.
The governor made the remarks at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Umuoriehi, headquarters of the Abia North Conference of the church in Umuahia North Local Government Area, during the dedication of the church building, which was recently renovated with his personal funds.
Governor Otti described the activities of opposition figures criticising his administration as inconsequential, noting that those involved had previously been given the opportunity to develop the state but failed to do so. He likened their actions to “empty barrels” that make the loudest noise and urged citizens not to be distracted.
Referring to biblical passages, the governor said gatherings not ordained by God would ultimately fail, adding that his administration would not dignify such distractions with responses. Instead, he said the focus would remain on governance and changing the narrative of development in Abia State.
According to him, the opposition politicians are not speaking for the people but for themselves, stressing that they represent only a small minority. He reassured Abians that his government would remain committed to delivering on its mandate without losing focus.
Governor Otti also clarified that while he supported the renovation of the church, the building had existed prior to the intervention and that the work was not funded with government resources. He emphasised that public funds are strictly reserved for government business, explaining that the renovation was undertaken in his personal capacity, as he had previously supported church projects long before assuming office.
The governor further announced that activities marking this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day had commenced and would culminate on January 15, 2026.
Earlier in his sermon, the President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Abia North–Central Conference, Pastor Kennedy Ihuoma, urged worshippers to remain faithful to God in all endeavours. Speaking on the theme, “Can I Be a Joseph to Interpret the King’s Dream?” he encouraged believers, particularly those in leadership, to emulate the biblical Joseph by providing wise counsel and support to leaders, including Governor Otti.
Pastor Ihuoma recounted how the governor had previously worshipped in the church and pledged to renovate the building using personal funds, expressing appreciation for the quality of the work carried out. He thanked the governor on behalf of the church leadership and members and offered prayers for God’s continued blessings upon him.
The church dedication ceremony attracted several dignitaries, including the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha; members of the Abia State House of Assembly; Senator Darlington Nwokocha; Acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Mereibeole; and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD. The event featured the cutting of the dedication ribbon and special prayers for the governor and members of his cabinets
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