After its maiden gathering in Abiriba in Ohafia LGA earlier in the year, stakeholders of Abia North, under the aegis of the Alliance for Good Governance, again converged at the Isieke Civic Centre, Ugwueke, in Bende LGA, where they reiterated their resolve to support, protect and sustain the good governance model of Governor Alex Otti, beyond 2031.
Presenting the communique issued at the end of the meeting, the Secretary of the Alliance and former Secretary to Abia State Government, Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, said the essence of the gathering was to consolidate the gains of the Abiriba declaration and affirm that Abia has never had it so good in governance.
“We are non-partisan. We are elders of Abia North, a voice crying in the wilderness, calling on all and sundry not to allow this singular opportunity we have prayed for over the years – which God has graciously granted us in giving us a person like Governor Alex Otti – to slip through our fingers.”
Pro Nkpa, who doubles as the spokesperson, declared that “the meeting unanimously agreed that the present administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, represents good governance.
“All speakers were unanimous in their desire that beyond 2031, when he leaves office, the next generation of Abia leaders must continue with the template this administration has initiated. There will be no going back. On the contrary, we shall continue to improve and grow from strength to strength.
“We resolved to embark on massive voters education, particularly at the grassroots and among the less literate. We also agreed to mobilise our youths not to succumb to pressure or inducement from other parties and not to sell their votes.
In an interview, former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah, said Abia North stakeholders have not only resolved to support Governor Otti’s re-election but have also mapped out strategies to achieve it.
For the host, Sir Johnson Chukwu, the Alliance was created to build a structure where opinion leaders can shape the direction of governance based on Governor Otti’s achievements in road infrastructure, quality education, healthcare and other sectors.
In his remarks, renowned banker and former Group Managing Director of FBN Holdings, Elder Urum Kalu Eke, who worked with Governor Otti in the banking sector, said Otti has made professionals proud.
Earlier, the initiator and convener of the Alliance, Chief Ebueme Ezikpe, emphasised that the group is not a political party and none of its members is a government contractor.
