National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Olumide Olusegun
The Abia State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a strong critique of Governor Alex Otti’s administration, marking his first year in office as one filled with deceit and confusion.
The party in a statement by its Vice Chairman and Acting State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Abraham Amah accused Governor Otti of failing the people of Abia through autocratic governance, disobedience to the rule of law, and widespread propaganda.
The party criticised the governor for failure to use the Government House but for operating in his private residence, the high cost of governance, the mass sacking of civil servants, and failure to pay 12 months’ salary amid continuous biometric verification exercises.
The PDP also stated alleged that the governor claim to have cleared 9-10 years of pension arrears was false, saying it was a statement by the National Union of Pensioners.
It added, “The much-publicized forensic audit allegedly revealed misappropriations by previous administrations, but the findings have been challenged and deemed misleading. Contrary to Governor Otti’s claims of inheriting an empty treasury, it was revealed that his predecessor left N3.49 billion.
“The administration has been accused of ignoring court rulings, notably in the case of Hon. Aaron Uzodike’s legislative mandate. Failure to Conduct Local Government Elections. Governor Otti has yet to hold local government elections, relying instead on appointed transition chairmen.
“Despite taking substantial security votes, there has been a noted increase in insecurity in the state. Contracts have been awarded without adherence to the Public Procurement Act, raising concerns about transparency.
“The administration falsely claimed the state had no investment in the Geometric Power Plant, contradicting previous records of significant investment. Projects like the Abia Tower-Ossah six-lane road are criticized for being misrepresented and inadequately executed.
“The state-of-the-art shoe and garment factories and hospitals built by the previous administration remain unused. Governor Otti’s plan to build an airport is seen as impractical, especially when critical infrastructure like roads remains neglected.
“The administration has reportedly taken on significant new debt, potentially making Abia one of the most indebted states. Governor Otti’s international trips in search of investors have been deemed unproductive and costly.
“The Abia PDP has urged the people to remain vigilant and hold Governor Otti accountable for his promises and actions, warning that his administration’s current trajectory may not benefit the state in the long run.”
Reacting in an interview with NATIONAL TELESCOPE, the immediate past Chairman and South East Vice Chairman of the Labour Party said the state governor has done its best in the area of security, infrastructure, and payment of salaries.
He said, “When we were campaigning across the entire states, we promised Abians that the salary and pension would be paid as and when due. Yes, the governor did promise that he would clear the arrears and he said salaries, pensions, and areas will be paid on the 28th of every month and that is ongoing right now. He also spoke about security.
“You are aware of what our Excellency did to dislodge the criminals which has brought criminality to the barest minimum.”
