•Governor of Abia State Alex Otti
Abia State governor, Alex Otti, says he will consult with God before deciding on whether to run for office again in 2027.
Otti made his position known at Sam Ihesiulor Stadium, Okpuala Ngwa, at a ceremony organised by the Oha Isiala Ngwa People of the Isiala Ngwa North and South local government areas of the state, reports Channels TV.
While thanking the people for their endorsement, the governor stated that 2027 would be in the hands of God, his spokesman, Njoku Ukoha, said in a statement.
The governor was quoted as saying, “Just like 2023 was in the hands of God, 2027 will also be in the hands of God.
“So, while I thank you for this endorsement because I see it as an endorsement of what has been achieved so far, I also thank you for making predictions.
“I would only say that, I would go back and consult with my God. And as time goes on, my response will be made public. Because, as I said the other day, I know my people are waiting.”
Otti explained that his administration’s deliberate investment in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state, is anchored on the potential Aba has in driving the economic growth of the state.
“Our concentration on Aba is because we do know that Aba can generate revenue for us to develop other parts of the state.
“Aba occupies a prime place in our strategy because that is our major commercial hub. Not just for Abia, but the South-East and South-South,” Governor Otti stated.
The governor, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving inclusive governance, said that his government is working simultaneously in all parts of the state.
He announced that December was the deadline for the completion of the Mgboko–Ntigha road project.
He used the opportunity to clarify that the location of Abia Airport in Nsulu was purely on technical merit and not political considerations and disclosed that all affected landowners had been fully compensated.
He also described the Abia Airport project as an ambitious undertaking, which is more than just an aviation facility but a full-fledged development hub, aimed at providing long-term economic benefit to the people.
“We are not just building an airport; we are building an airport city. A three or four-star hotel is going to be there, and even the Nigeria Air Force is going to have a base there. There are going to be markets and shopping plazas within the facility.
“We have paid 100 per cent compensation to everybody whose land was affected. If there’s anyone that has not been paid, it is not our fault. Maybe, they provided the wrong account number or there are three or four people struggling for the same space,” Otti clarified.
