UMUAHIA, Nigeria — The residents of Abia State have begun setting an ambitious agenda for the newly inaugurated Governor, Alex Otti, who took his oath of office on Monday, May 29, 2023, at the Umuahia Stadium.
Otti, a member of the Labour Party, LP, claimed victory in the 2023 Abia gubernatorial election, bringing a change in political leadership that has been met with hope and relief by the populace.
However, residents are eager for this momentum to continue, urging Otti to deliver tangible results.
Mike Mbama, a local resident, voiced the shared aspiration for Otti’s victory to yield a sustained improvement in Abia State.
“Otti should start with selecting people with character and competence as members of his cabinet and reject toxic influences,” Mbama said.
He also highlighted the urgency of road rehabilitation, particularly in Aba, to stimulate commerce, and the necessity of easing the tax burden on small and medium-sized businesses to boost the state’s economy.
Another resident, Enyinnaya Okeugo, is looking towards the revitalization of public resources. “I want Otti to start with recovering Abia’s sources of funding from corrupt consultants,” he said, adding that Otti should also work on improving public schools and hospitals in the state to foster a stronger future for the region.
Resident Gift Samuel emphasized the importance of regular salary payments to state workers, reconstruction efforts in key revenue areas like Ariaria International Market, and caution against allowing the previous administration any satisfaction in their performance.
Dr. Alex Otti has taken the reins from former Governor Mr. Okezie Ikpeazu, and the residents of Abia State are ready for action. It remains to be seen how these expectations will be met under the new governorship.
