Why Abia Is Better Under Dr. Alex Otti
By Titus Eleweke
Recent comments credited to a former governor of Abia State and current senator representing Abia North, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, have once again brought public attention to the leadership of Governor Alex Otti. Speaking from his Igbere hometown, the former governor claimed that Governor Otti is “doing nothing” in Abia State and that he is merely painting roads allegedly constructed during his own tenure in 2007, asroads he could not specifically name.
Such statements, coming from a ranking senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, deserve scrutiny not emotion.
Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu further argued that the funds received by Governor Otti within four months exceed what he himself received in eight years as governor. This comparison is not only misleading but economically flawed. Anyone with a basic understanding of inflation and economic realities knows that money has no static value across time.
In 2007,One million naira had far greater purchasing power than it does today.
A golf car cost about ₦200,000 then ; today it sells for over ₦8 million.
A bag of cement was under ₦1,000; today it hovers around ₦11,000.
A tricycle (Keke Napep) cost less than ₦500,000; today it is above ₦4 million.
So where exactly lies the basis for such comparison?
This kind of rhetoric is unfortunate, especially from a senator expected to elevate national discourse. Even more puzzling was the claim that he worked for Governor Otti’s victory in 2023 but would no longer do so, preferring instead to work “for his party.” One must ask: what kind of interest drives a senator Orji to openly speak against the success of a sitting governor from his own state? Is governance now a partisan vendetta rather than a collective responsibility?
The truth remains clear to Ndi Abia: Dr. Alex Otti’s victory was divinely ordained. It was a mandate to reclaim the lost glory of Abia State,glory that had been systematically eroded by years of governance driven by personal enterprise rather than public good.
Today, Abia belongs to Ndi Abia, not to a privileged few.
Governor Otti came to power without the traditional political baggage—no godfather, no entrenched party machinery, no burden of maintaining questionable political chieftains. Against all odds, he emerged under the Labour Party, propelled by the will of the people and, many believe, by divine intervention.
For the first time since the return of democracy in 1999, Abians are witnessing governance that is inclusive, purposeful, and people-centered. The dividends of democracy are no longer restricted to political elites; they are reaching the streets, the markets, and the ordinary citizens.
Umuahia is wearing a new look,one befitting a state capital,Aba the same. Across Abia, there is visible evidence of planning, execution, and accountability. This is not accidental governance; this is leadership driven by vision.
Indeed, Dr. Alex Otti is arguably the only governor in Abia State who consciously dreamed of leadership, worked towards it, and now governs with a clear understanding of why he is in office. Others stumbled into power by political accident and used it mainly for wealth accumulation, leaving the masses to suffer.
It is therefore understandable why some former power brokers are uncomfortable. When a system built on personal gain is dismantled, resistance is inevitable. But Abia is God’s own state, and history shows that when the time comes, God raises leaders without apology.
The true Ndi Abia stand solidly behind Governor Alex Otti. Those attacking him most loudly are those whose interests are purely self-serving.
Let it be said clearly: Alex Otti will win Abia again, even without a political party,if such were allowed. Abians are wiser now. They can no longer be induced with a 20kg bag of rice to mortgage their future.
Abia has seen the difference.
Abia has tasted governance.
And Abia will not go back.
Titus Eleweke
Journalist, based in Anambra State
