Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has apologised to lecturers of Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, over the delayed implementation of approved demands that triggered a strike by the institution’s Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) chapter, warning that officials responsible for a recurrence would face consequences.
Otti made the disclosure on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, during an anniversary lecture organised to mark the 35th anniversary of the creation of Abia State, with the theme “The Rise of a New Abia.” The event was contained in a statement signed by Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
The governor said the industrial action was avoidable, explaining that the demands presented by ASUU-ABSU had been reviewed and approved by him as far back as April, but were not implemented months after the approval.
“ASUU went on strike about a week or two ago in Abia State University, Uturu. Their requests came to me. I looked at those requests, and they were legitimate requests, and I approved them. But months later, I’m not saying weeks, months later, I was to be told that, yes, you have approved. But it had not been implemented.
“We set up an implementation committee. So, I asked the question, what does the implementation committee mean? The total cost of the difference between what they were earning and what they are asking for was in the memo that I approved. So that means that somebody has thought through it.
“So, I want to, on this podium, apologise to Abia State University as well. That strike was avoidable. And I’ve told my people, if it happens again, heads will roll,” Otti stated.
The governor’s intervention came as he reflected on the state’s journey since its creation 35 years ago, stressing that the focus should remain on building institutions and sustaining development rather than celebrating individuals.
Otti congratulated Abians on the anniversary and thanked the keynote speaker, former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, for what he described as a well-researched lecture that reinforced the need to build governance systems that transcend individual leaders.
He said the significance of the anniversary lay in the responsibility to build on the foundations left by successive administrations and ensure that each government improves on what it inherits.
The governor also reiterated his decision not to accept chieftaincy titles, awards or honorary degrees on his inauguration day, saying such recognitions could become distractions from the responsibility of delivering good governance.
According to him, his longstanding emphasis on education, reflected in articles and books he wrote before becoming governor, informed his administration’s decision to abolish school fees, including in the state’s Smart Schools.
Okonjo-Iweala Commends Abia’s Transformation
In a goodwill message delivered virtually, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, commended the Otti administration for what she described as steps towards strengthening Abia’s financial sustainability.
Okonjo-Iweala cited increased Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), reduced dependence on Federation allocations and greater prioritisation of capital expenditure among the developments she said had attracted attention to the state.
She also highlighted investments in infrastructure, improved electricity supply, settlement of inherited salary and pension arrears and reduction of the state’s debt burden as evidence of effective governance.
While acknowledging that more work remained, she expressed optimism that Abia could leverage its potential to create jobs, prosperity and dignity for its people.
The WTO Director-General urged the state to strengthen infrastructure, supportive policies and strategic investments in high-potential sectors to position Abia within national, regional and global value chains.
She specifically called for the development of “Made in Aba” into a globally recognised brand and the strengthening of Umuahia as a light manufacturing and administrative centre.
Chidoka: Build Capable, Sustainable Abia
Chidoka, in his keynote lecture, said there was visible evidence of development in Abia since Otti assumed office in 2023.
However, he said the administration’s ultimate measure of success should go beyond the achievements of the governor to building institutions capable of sustaining progress.
According to him, the objective should be to move Abia from having a capable governor to becoming a “capable Abia” and ultimately a sustainable state.
Chidoka referenced Otti’s 2014 book, “Saving The Future,” saying the governor’s current emphasis on education reflected convictions he had expressed long before assuming office.
He said Otti had consistently advocated measurable educational performance and commended the administration for maintaining a 20 per cent allocation to education in its annual budgets.
The former minister said he envisaged a future in which Nigerians would no longer have to travel abroad to study models of good governance, but would instead look to Abia as a reference point.
Kanu Calls for Support
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, in his vote of thanks, said achieving the vision of a New Abia required the cooperation and collective support of citizens.
Kanu called on Abians to continue supporting the Otti administration, saying the governor had raised the standard of governance in the state and changed its development narrative.
He also thanked Chidoka for contributing to the anniversary programme and appreciated Abians for entrusting the state’s leadership to the governor.
The anniversary event featured a panel discussion involving representatives of Geometric Power and Nepal Group of Companies, the Principal Secretary to the Governor, the member representing Isiala-Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, former Abia State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Arisa Onuoha Ogwe, and the Attorney-General of the state.
The panel, moderated by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole, and the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, reviewed Abia’s development trajectory over the past 35 years and projected the state’s prospects over the next five years.
The panellists commended what they described as significant developments recorded under the Otti administration.
The ceremony was attended by members of the National Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, the Traditional Rulers Council, clergy and other dignitaries.
