Otti signs 4 bills into law, swears-in 10 perm secs

From Okey Sampson, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has signed four bills into law, thereby strengthening the laws of the state, and with assurance that his administration has the political will to ensure effective implementation of the laws.

The bills signed into law are: The Abia State University Amendment Law No. 4 of 2026; the Abia State Restorative Justice Law No. 8 of 2026; the Abia State Criminal Law No. 7 of 2026, and the Abia State Administration of Criminal Justice Law No. 6 of 2026.

Speaking while assenting to the bills at the Government House, Umuahia, Governor Otti observed that laws could become obsolete with time and require amendment to reflect changing societal realities.

“I think laws, sometimes, become obsolete, and when that happens, there may be a need to amend them to reflect the realities of the time’.

The governor explained that lawmakers and those responsible for implementation must be willing to review existing provisions where necessary, particularly when such laws no longer address contemporary challenges effectively.

He called on lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant authorities to work together to ensure that laws serve their intended purposes, noting that the existence of laws without consequences for violations could undermine public order and encourage lawlessness.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, had earlier highlighted key provisions of the four bills, informing they were designed to strengthen criminal justice administration, protect citizens, and improve access to justice.

Uwanna thanked Governor Otti for supporting the state’s justice sector reforms and disclosed plans to translate the laws into Igbo language to make their provisions more accessible to the people.

Meanwhile, Governor Otti has sworn-in 10 new Permanent Secretaries into the State Civil Service with a charge for them to demonstrate competence, integrity, and commitment to service while distinguishing themselves through effective leadership.

The governor also inaugurated three newly appointed government officials and reiterated his administration’s commitment to merit, competence, and excellence in public service.

Speaking after the administration of the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office on the new Permanent Secretaries by the Solicitor-General of the state, Mr. Paul Ogubunka, at the ceremony held in Umuahia, Otti said their appointments come with significant responsibilities and expectations.

The governor, who congratulated the appointees, charged them to justify the confidence reposed in them, explaining that their selection followed a transparent and competitive process involving electronic applications, computer-based tests and oral interviews.

“What we have done since 2023 is to ensure that appointments are strictly based on merit”.

Otti highlighted the significant representation of women among the newly appointed permanent secretaries, noting that seven of the 10 appointees, representing 70 percent, are women. He said the development demonstrated that women can excel when given equal opportunities based on competence and merit, and urged the female appointees to sustain the confidence reposed in them and contribute meaningfully to the success of his administration.

The governor expressed confidence that the appointees would perform creditably and contribute to the achievement of his administration’s development objectives.

Responding on behalf of the newly sworn-in permanent secretaries, Mrs. Uwaoma Ajike expressed appreciation to the governor for the confidence reposed in them and pledged that they would discharge their responsibilities diligently and contribute to the development of the state.