According to reports, certain members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State’s Ukwa East Local Government Area have switched to the Labour Party (LP), supporting Governor Alex Otti’s bid for a second term.
Among other prominent figures from the region, it was understood that the defectors included Hon. Lewis Obianyi, the representative for Ukwa East State Constituency; Hon. Paul Taribo, the former Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly; Hon. Ossy Nwamuo, the former Commissioner and former Chairman of the Ukwa East Transition Committee; and Lady Chinedu Brown, the former Commissioner for Women Affairs.
The endorsement was made on Thursday at the Ohanku community, where locals and political figures came together in what they called a “collective decision to support the governor beyond party lines.”
Alex Otti welcomed the defectors and thanked them for their endorsement and support in the 2027 governorship contest.
He took the opportunity to discuss long-standing infrastructural issues, including power, which locals claimed had been absent from the entire Ndoki territory for more than 20 years.
Otti stated, “We have no choice but to give you power if we could give power not only to Ukwa West but also to Etche, which is not a part of Abia State.”
I am aware that power is already being drawn here, therefore transformers and a smart metering system are most likely needed. You can take it from me that you will have power here before the end of March if that is necessary.
The Commissioner for Works was instructed by the governor to finish the last stretch of Ohanku Road and extend it into the village.
Additionally, he promised the locals that Obohia hamlet in Ukwa East LGA would be included in the capital-intensive rehabilitation of Obohia Road. He said that Senator Adolphus Wabara’s plea for internal highways will also be taken into consideration.
Regarding ongoing boundary conflicts, especially in Akirika Obu, Otti revealed that talks had been held with his counterpart from Akwa Ibom State in order to guarantee enduring peace in the region.
In response to requests for the rebirth of Abia palm, the governor disclosed that his administration had inked a Memorandum of Understanding with a multinational company that produces and processes palm.
Otti also revealed that 11 primary healthcare facilities in Ukwa East had been renovated and retrofitted by his government; four of these facilities are currently functioning, and the remaining ones should be operational in 45 days.
Additionally, he gave the Ukwa East Mayor instructions to do palliative repairs on the roofs of the school buildings at the event site, pledging a thorough restoration at a later time.
Otti Rejects the Title of Chieftain
Otti asked the Ukwa East Traditional Rulers Council to postpone granting him a chieftaincy title until after his tenure in 2031, a move that was met with enthusiasm.
He expressed his opinion that public officials shouldn’t be honored while they are still in office.
Nonetheless, the endorsement was characterized as a unanimous choice of the Ukwa people by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, along with other prominent figures such as Lewis Obianyi, Uzoma Nkem Abonta, Ambassador Okey Emuche, and Lady Chinedu Brown.
They emphasized that the action was a group decision to back a governor they believed had done a credible job rather than just being partisan.
Wabara formally proposed a motion supporting Otti for a second term, and the audience unanimously approved it after Hon. Lewis Obianyi seconded it.
The governor was praised by the leaders for initiating the construction of Ukwa East’s first general hospital, restoring primary healthcare facilities, and refurbishing schools.
Nonetheless, they encouraged him to give the restoration of electricity, the revitalization of Abia Palm, the extension of road projects from Aba to Ukwa East, and the peacemaking in Akirika Obu first priority.
Speaking on behalf of the Asa community, Eze Ikeagwuchi Ekeke and Hon. Chibunna Akara, the Mayor of Ukwa East LGA, both emphasized Otti’s accomplishments in the region while highlighting other developmental obstacles.
Traditional leaders prayed for the governor and gave him presents as Prince Okey Kanu, the Commissioner for Information, and other dignitaries attended.
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