166

The people of Ukwa La Ngwa have honoured Governor Alex Otti in a grand civic reception and donated 100 million Naira for the purchase of the nomination form for the Governor’s re-election in 2027.

The donation was announced by the Steering Committee for Ukwa La Ngwa Civic Reception for Governor Alex Otti, on Friday, January 30th, at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, during the grand civic reception organised for the Governor.

In his speech at the event, Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti thanked the people for the reception and for endorsing him.

“The time we came in here this afternoon, the mammoth crowd was intimidating. I want to thank all of you. Thank you for the endorsement. Thank you for the support. Thank you for the encouragement.

“One thing you can take home is that because this is your government, your interest will always come first. Like has been said, some of the people that have been making noise, the noise is all about self-interest. But you can see here, this is not about party or partisan celebration.

The Governor, who disclosed that he will be commissioning Ovom road on the 25th of February, said that he would be flagging-off the same day, the reconstruction of Enyimba Hotel, a Five-Star Hotel being handled by Radisson Blu.

“Our style is not to flag off and go home. We are going to give them a short delivery period. We want the Five-Star Hotel to start functioning by next year,” Gov. Otti stated.

Governor Otti urged Aba residents who are yet to register for the permanent voter cards (PVC) to enable them to vote next year, to do so immediately. He also requested and urged all residents in Aba to become chief cleaning officers of their immediate environment.

“The number of people in Aba is ten times larger than the number of votes that come from Aba. So, the only way to show your strength is to go to all the nooks and crannies around you and get people to come out and register. I know you will do that.

“The other thing I require for you is to be the chief security officers in your neighborhood, in your home. Don’t let any miscreant come to spoil what we have done,”

“All those people who are in Abia, those who are in Aba, we want Aba to be the cleanest town in Nigeria. I know we are close there, but we are not there yet. So, everybody should be the chief cleaning officer in his neighborhood.

“You know there is a saying in the Bible that a king is not without honor and respect except amongst his own kindred.

“So, the best reception is the reception from our own people. And I want to thank you and thank the speaker and the team who have pledged to purchase the form for the 2027 election,” Gov. Otti stated.

In his speech, the chairman of the occasion and BoT Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Adolphus Wabara saluted the giant strides of the Governor and noted that the people of Ukwa La Ngwa, irrespective of political affiliation or persuasion, have risen above partisan divides to speak with one united voice, pointing out,

“This is not a political party rally; it is a people’s verdict. It is the collective affirmation of the masses to celebrate a man who has demonstrated, beyond all reasonable doubt, that good governance is achievable and real,”

Senator Wabara said that the Governor has proven that, with the right leadership Nigeria can still work, and added that Governor Otti’s scorecard over the past two and a half years, is not built on propaganda but on verifiable achievements, hence, the people would support him, as Abians will not surrender their mandate to any cabal.

“Let no one be deceived: Abians will never again surrender their mandate to any cabal.

“Any attempt to manipulate, intimidate, or subvert the will of the people in the 2027 elections will be firmly and collectively resisted. The people are awake, alert, and determined to defend their mandate”. Senator Wabara stated

“The era of imposing leaders on Abians must be confronted and rejected decisively. The old order is gone – irretrievably gone.

“No self-overrated individual or group can force Abia back into political bondage. Ukwa La Ngwa and Abia people have chosen light over darkness, truth over deception, and performance over propaganda,”

“The era of lies, blackmail, and political brigandage is over. Abia shall never again be held hostage by greedy political merchants whose only ideology is power and personal enrichment.

“No individual, group, or cabal possesses the divine right to determine the political destiny of Abia State. The future of Governor Alex Otti in 2027 will be decided solely by Abia voters, freely, fairly, and democratically – through the ballot,” Senator Wabara declared.

Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders of the 9 LGAS of the Ukwa La Ngwa people, the Senator representing Abia South Senatorial Zone, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and the National Secretary of the Labor Party, Senator Darlington Nwokocha noted that Governor Otti has changed the narratives in all facets, deserving the support of all.

The Chairman of the Steering Committee for Ukwa La Ngwa Grand Civic Reception for Governor Alex Otti and Speaker Abia House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa said that the event is an expression of love and general acceptance of the Governor, noting that the Governor has by all means redefined governance.

While announcing that the Ukwa La Ngwa people have raised 100 million Naira to purchase the nomination form for the Governor’s reelection, said that they would be ready to add more money if it would not be enough.

Earlier in his speech, the leader and spokesperson of the Ukwa La Ngwa people, Chief Theo Nkire said that the event is a celebration of a great achiever of the Ukwa Ngwa nation, Dr Alex Otti who has within the shortest time in office revolutionized all sectors of the people’s lives, including transforming Aba from a small importer town to a world class industrial hub.

In a vote of thanks, the Chief of Staff to the Governor and son of the soil, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D appreciated the Governor for preparing and making himself available to deliver Abia State after 24 years of misuse. He said that the Governor is fixing Abia State and creating conducive environment for investments to thrive.

The Traditional Rulers of Ukwa La Ngwa Nation honoured the Governor with their gifts and announced their total support to him, declaring that they are not going to “go back to Egypt”.

The event which attracted many dignitaries from all walks of life, including the member representing Isialangwa North/South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ginger Onwusibe and his colleagues also featured many cultural displays.

Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
January 31st, 2026