Governor Alex Otti has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, balanced development and sustained transformation across Abia State, declaring that the state has permanently moved beyond the era of stagnation.

The Governor made the declaration on Friday, July 24, 2026, during a grand civic reception organised in his honour by the people of Umunneochi Local Government Area at Peace Secondary School, Amuda, Isuochi.

The reception was organised in recognition of the developmental strides recorded under the Otti administration in Umunneochi and across Abia State. The event also witnessed renewed support from stakeholders and residents for the Governor’s second-term bid in 2027.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Otti assured the people that no part of the state would be left behind in his administration’s development agenda.

He disclosed that the long-awaited Mmam Bridge, which was captured in the 2026 budget following previous engagements with Umunneochi stakeholders, would be constructed alongside other critical infrastructure projects in the area.

The Governor reiterated that investments in quality education, road infrastructure and other people-centred programmes remain central to his vision of improving the quality of life for Abians.

“This is your government, and because it is your government, we will continue to invest in your future through education, infrastructure and other people-oriented projects,” Governor Otti said.

In a major announcement, Governor Otti revealed plans to extend the state’s Electric Bus Green Shuttle transportation system to Umunneochi following the arrival of more than 20 additional electric buses.

According to him, new transport routes linking Umuahia to Umunneochi and Umuahia–Okigwe–Uturu–Abia State University (ABSU) will soon commence operations to improve mobility for residents, workers and students.

On security, the Governor commended the people for supporting government efforts in safeguarding lives and property, stressing that community participation remains critical in the fight against criminality.

“Anyone with criminal intentions should either repent or leave because we will smoke criminals out. Together, we shall continue to keep Abia safe for everyone,” Governor Otti warned.

Several political leaders and stakeholders who spoke during the event praised the Governor for what they described as remarkable achievements across different sectors of the state.

Among those who delivered goodwill messages were Labour Party Abia North Senatorial Candidate, Chief David Ogba Onuoha; Member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Hon. Amobi Ogah; Member representing Umunneochi State Constituency, Hon. Mathias Umeh; and elder statesman and former Minister of Education and Health, Prof. Ihechukwu Madubuike.

The speakers commended Governor Otti’s administration for improvements in healthcare, road infrastructure, education and the restoration of public confidence in governance, maintaining that his performance has earned him widespread support for another term in office.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Lands, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Ngozi Azode; the Mayor of Umunneochi LGA, Chief Sunny Afurobi; Mr. Uche Okoroafor; and the representative of the Northern community in Umuchieze, Alhaji Buba Abdullahi, described Governor Otti as a grassroots-oriented leader committed to the welfare of the people.

They expressed appreciation for the administration’s interventions in Umunneochi, particularly in tackling insecurity, approving the construction of a new General Hospital, rehabilitating 19 Primary Healthcare Centres—12 of which are already operational—executing road projects and improving educational infrastructure.

They unanimously pledged their continued support for Governor Otti’s re-election in 2027.

Speaking on behalf of the Northern community, Alhaji Buba Abdullahi said Umunneochi has become peaceful again following the government’s decisive action against insecurity.

He described Governor Otti as a leader who fulfils promises through visible and impactful development.

A major highlight of the event was the formal reception of new members into the Labour Party. The new entrants, led by the 2023 PDP Deputy Governorship candidate in Abia State, Dr. Jasper Uche, were officially presented with the party flag by Governor Otti alongside the Abia State Chairman of the Labour Party.

The colourful ceremony attracted government officials, political leaders, traditional rulers, party faithful and other distinguished personalities from across Abia State.

Source: Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Citizen Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.