Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has attributed the ongoing infrastructural revival in Aba to the visionary blueprint established by former Governor and current Senator representing Abia North, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. The governor also reaffirmed his strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s bold economic reforms, describing them as necessary steps toward national recovery.
Governor Otti made these remarks on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at his country home in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area, during a courtesy visit by Senators Orji Uzor Kalu and Chris Adighije.
“I am still using former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu’s infrastructure template for Aba,” Otti declared. “He did well in Aba when he was Governor. That template is not wrong. You fix the place that generates the revenue, and the revenue will come and be used to develop other areas.”
Otti recounted how his late mother had often praised Senator Kalu’s achievements as governor, noting that effective governance should transcend party lines. “Government and governance is a continuum. It can be broken, but a wise government must go back and recover what worked,” he said, emphasizing his result-oriented, non-partisan leadership style.
Under Otti’s administration, Aba has witnessed significant transformation, with reconstructed roads, extended business hours, and renewed investor confidence. The governor revealed that a grateful businessman recently donated N200 million in appreciation of the city’s improved infrastructure.
“There is no sleep in Aba anymore. People are awake, businesses are open, and money is changing hands. That’s how the economy works — velocity of money. It’s not rocket science,” Otti added.
He further disclosed plans to replicate this momentum in other parts of the state, particularly by installing streetlights along the Umuahia–Ohafia axis to extend business activity into the night.
On the national front, Governor Otti restated his support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, especially the removal of the fuel subsidy, which he labeled a long-running deception.
“We behaved irresponsibly for too long. It takes courage to correct that, and what the President is doing now is the correction phase,” he said. “If we don’t lose faith, we’ll get it right. That’s why supporting the President is a no-brainer for me.”
Addressing growing speculation about the 2027 elections, the governor advised political leaders to prioritize delivering real change over early campaigning. “Today is certain; tomorrow is a promise. Next tomorrow is gambling,” he said.
Senator Kalu, in his remarks, commended Governor Otti’s administration, particularly the improved road networks. He referenced the now motorable Igbere–Umuahia road, which had been neglected for 16 years.
“You’ve done well for our state. I rode on that road, and it now takes less than an hour. It’s smooth like flying,” Kalu said. He pledged ongoing friendship and bipartisan cooperation, stating, “You are my friend and brother for life. Whether you’re contesting or not, our bond remains.”
Kalu also advised Otti to maintain a strong working relationship with President Tinubu, emphasizing that such support would yield benefits for both the state and the nation. “I’m not asking you to leave your party, but support the President. That’s what matters.”
Senator Chris Adighije echoed these sentiments, praising both Governor Otti’s performance and President Tinubu’s reforms. “Partisan politics must give way to progress. Abia is moving in the right direction,” he remarked.
The visit, widely seen as a major bipartisan milestone, underscored a growing shift in Abia’s political landscape—toward unity, continuity, and governance anchored on results.
