Dr. Alex Chioma Otti and Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu have been sworn-in as the 5th democratically elected Governor and Deputy Governor of Abia State.
In his acceptance speech, after the administration of the Oath of Office and Oath of Allegiance on him by the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai, the Governor, Dr. Alex Otti assured that his administration would run a responsible, transparent and honest government and bequeath to Ndi Abia an Abia that everybody would be happy with.
He said, it is time to rebuild Abia and take her back to the people, saying that, it is a time to rebuild and that he would lead the charge to rebuild the State.
Governor Alex Otti, who disclosed that the May salaries and pensions in the State would commence in the next few days, said there would be no more discrimination between core and non core civil servants. He added that, from June, 2023, salaries would be paid by 28 of each month. He thanked the NLC for suspending their strike and promised to set up committee that would identify genuine workers and defray their pensions and salary arrears. He urged Abians to weep no more as help was here, stated that he shall not run government of excuses and finger pointing.
He declared a state of emergency on refuse disposal and management in the State and directed ASEPA to remove all refuse and clean the State of refuse. He assured he would create prosperity, happiness and security and called on all Abians to participate in the efforts of rebuilding the State. He banned every chieftaincy title, honours and merit awards on him by any group or individual until he leaves office.
Governor Otti extended his hands of fellowship to all those that contested the governorship with him and said the aspiration for every candidate was to make Abia better and promised to pursue those ideals vigorously. He pledged to support the other arms of government, the traditional rulers, the religious leaders, the media and other stakeholders to develop the State and urged all to participate in the path of sustainable development. He thanked Abia people for voting him overwhelmingly and assured that he would not disappoint the people.
The event which featured mounting of Guard of Honour for the new Governor by Security Operatives attracted many dignitaries including Vice Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Elections, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba Ahmed, former Governor of Abia State, Senator T.A Orji, former Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, National Chairman of Labour Party, Barr. Julius Abure and his Exco. former Military Chief of Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd), former Military Governor, General Ike Nwachukwu, Senator Chris adighije, the Senator Elect of Abia Central, Chief Darlington Nwokocha, Members of Representatives Elect in the State, Arch Bishop Lucius Ugoji, Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Abia State House of Assembly members Elect, members of the Labour Party and security chiefs in Abia State and Abia people from all walks of life.
