Otti’s melodious Abia tale in Houston, by Emenike Vincent Onyembi

On Friday, 4 September, I was up in the night from 11:30 p.m. till 3:40 a.m. listening to Governor Alex Otti’s conversation with Ngwans in North America through Zoom. I also noticed my big brother, Mr Absolute Obioma Njoku was awake throughout the outing.

The reason I sacrificed sleep was to listen to the question and answer session of umunna anyi with their Governor. Those who understand the thought processes of Nigerians residing outside Nigerian soil will agree that they hardly fake their feelings, and if you face them unprepared, you will surely receive it wotowoto with no mercy.

The past, the present – in video clips

Governor Otti’s analogy was top notch. He started by taking everyone down memory lane from where he met Abia, to where he has succeeded in leading us, and of course, the journey ahead. Governor Otti was also brutal. He did not fake anything. He came fully prepared.

He played videos of the state he met Abia and what he has achieved within three years.

In fact, he told the audience he had not come to Houston to bore them with a written speech. He encouraged them to walk with him, stating that facts would speak for themselves. Brethren, the room went silent when he played videos of Abia as of May 2023 with clarity of purpose. Each picture and video came with a clear description.

While this was going on, I saw our big brothers and sisters well concentrated. All eyes were on the screen. The hall went cold after the videos. People saw the old Port Harcourt Road, Ohanku Road, Omenuko Bridge, the ongoing 6km Ndiegoro drainage, Omuma Road, the dilapidated state of Uratta/Old Express etc.

The documentary was very detailed, prepared by the Ministry of Information. After that segment, the governor recalled the minds of his audience by playing the second version of the documentary, showing the current state of the listed infrastructures and many others, especially his achievements in waste management in Aba.

The hall rose with unending applause. That was a moment of pride. Even on my mattress, I felt proud to be Abian because for the first time in many years, the rest of Nigeria is looking at us differently. Yeah! Abia has gotten it right.

Umunna anyi were overwhelmed with evidence.

Question and answer session

After the rich and fact-induced presentation, the Governor called for a question and answer session. He also told the MC to balance the session by ensuring women were given equal opportunity to ask questions. Those who know Governor Otti very well would agree that he is a gender-sensitive public servant.

Brethren, our people started firing on all cylinders. For me, that was the high point of the night. Of course, I trusted how Governor Otti would manage that session. His pen and paper were very handy, and he began to take notes.

I think Lady Blessing Chioma Ahuama reminded the Governor about the Mgboko Road that leads to the Obingwa council through Hotel De Laurels. She raised it after commending the governor on the recently commissioned Chima Ubani General Hospital in Mgboko. The Governor appreciated her commendations and assured her that the road would be completed before she returns to Nigeria for the festive period, as work is currently underway.

I watched passionate Ngwans, especially health professionals, indicating an interest to serve Abia in the healthcare industry. Governor Otti also promised to hook them up with the Commissioner of Health through NNAUSA President/CEO Dr. Ugo Agu, as his government has always opened its arms wide for internationally trained medical professionals.

A man from Isialangwa North asked Governor Otti to assure them the Nsulu airport would be completed before he completes his eight years in office. I loved the Governor’s response on that. The Governor was very clear about the arrangement of that project. He told the audience that the airport project is a collaboration between the state and the Federal Government of Nigeria. President Tinubu wanted just an airstrip, but the Governor asked why a runway would withhold the airstrip from becoming an airport. Hence, the governor informed the audience that he has taken up the runway responsibility and it is currently ongoing with the hope to be completed by 2027.

He hopes the federal government would fulfill its part by building the terminal and other infrastructure after he completes the runway. That was a clear and smart response. I think with that, Abians would know who to hold accountable at the end of the day. But we hope the plans of both parties come through.

There were also inquiries about investing in Abia. The governor assured them that the enabling environment is now there and that he is also committed to doing more. He took them through his escapades with the Star Paper Mill acquisition and others up for grabs. Anyone interested can acquire and run them, which would create jobs for our expanding youth demography.

I also admire how Governor Otti responded to conversations around security, pensions, and gratuities. Of course, he didn’t disappoint. Questions around security are not for public consumption, but he assured them that his government takes security matters seriously.

For gratuities, he gave an update on the recent payment from 2001 to 2010 and his plans to pay up to 2015 and also to 2026. He was also brutal here and I understand why. He said he could have decided to ignore the liabilities, but the truth remains that, in economics, when money circulates, Mr. Cyril who makes bottled water will be patronised, and market women, etc., would also be patronised. So, paying gratuities and pensions is very key, and his government is very committed to ensuring that all outstanding amounts are cleared as his administration progresses.

You can still reach us for further questions – Otti

Governor Otti reminded NNAUSA members that his government is determined to fixing famous roads in Aba. Port Harcourt and Ohanku are done already. That of Omuma is currently ongoing, and he would flag off reconstruction of the Uratta/Old Express Roads by October 2026.

He also has plans to deploy to other roads within the Aba environs and Abia at large. Governor Otti’s outing last night was top notch and received high applause, and most importantly, it was crowned with unanimous endorsement for the 2027 governorship election, alongside their expressed readiness to contribute to the ongoing development in the state.

The governor also shared the email of his Principal Secretary, Mr. Chinenye MbaUzokwu, for them to reach out for more questions and partnership, as time did not allow him to take more questions.

From ruins to renewal, Governor Otti is passionate about restoring and securing the dignity of Ndi Abia. He is very intentional.