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By Brown Chimezie
The Coalition of Abia State Youth Leaders and Stakeholders in Lagos State has tasked the Abia State governor-elect, Dr Alex Otti to ensure good governance and delivery of democracy dividends to people of the state.
Comprising leaders of youth Organisations, market /trade groups, students of institutions of higher learning, businessmen and women, the group called on Abians to support the incoming administration of to be led by Dr Otti.
In a Press parley facilitated by Amb. Kenneth UBA and held at Humble Signature Hotel, Oshodi Lagos, members of the coalition expressed their unalloyed support for the governor-elect and congratulated him on his popular and resounding victory at the March 18, 2023 gubernatorial election.
But it noted that the popular mandate of Otti came with high expectations and urged him to hit the ground immediately he is sworn in as on May 29,2023.
The spokesperson of the group, Okey Nzekwe noted that Dr Otti’s desire to govern the state did not start yesterday, describing it as a chequered journey and struggle to Government House Umuahia.
“He has picked enormous political experience along the way to enable him meet the aspirations of the greater number of Abians. So, he must never fail on this premise”, he said.
Nzekwe urged Otti to plug leakages in the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the State, saying, “as a renowned banker at the highest level of Managing Director of former Diamond Bank, Abians expect him to bring his vast experience to bear on the economic fortune of the State; the internally generated revenue (IGR) must witness a turn-around through plugged leakage, and wastages.”
He advised the opposition parties and groups to eschew bitterness and hatred and make sacrifices for Abia State as the elections are over. He advised: “they should shun unnecessary and unwarranted litigations which will distract the new government from focusing on delivering good and quality governance to the good people of Abia. The youth leaders shall not hesitate to mobilise a One- Million-man march to proceed to court in support of Dr Alex Otti’s mandate.”
On the outgoing Okezie Ikpeazu’s administration, Nzekwe expressed disenchantment with his tenure, reiterating the consensus of Abians in and out of the state and the diaspora.
He observed that, “too much politics and politicking have hindered government service delivery in education and healthcare institutions, and where available, it is either inadequate or inefficient. Secondly, Political considerations have taken precedence over professional advice and practices.
“Abia State is overdue to rejig it economic development plan and growth strategy. We are in a state of motion without movement, hence the constant decay to road infrastructure and inefficient services. Abia is blessed with highly skilled professionals, artisans, entrepreneurs and work population but coordination and willingness to do the right things are our albatross.”
He recommended the INEC returning officer for Abia State in the just concluded general elections, Professor Chinenye Oti to be made the INEC Chairman for her diligence, transparency, honesty and strength of character to do the right thing.
The national leader of the group Prince Obinna Ehumadu in a separate interview described Abia as a unique State.
Ehumadu noted that Abia is endowed with resources to fund it projects, adding that what the state was lacking in was the absence of experienced people hired to handle its projects.
In his views Chairman Elders Council, Ohaneze Ndiigbo Lagos State, Dr Oliver Akubueze who expressed joy that God has remembered the people of Abia State said, “for over 24 years, three regimes of PDP in Abia State came without any legacy projects to show for it. In fact, we were praying for God’s intervention; women went naked, and too many things happened while we were seeking for God’s intervention. Unfortunately nothing happened. But now we are joyful there’s a new horizon and a breath of fresh air brought about by the election of Dr Alex Otti.”
