Stakeholders in Abia State have said that the governor of the state, Alex Otti, has been making significant strides in fulfilling his promise to reposition the state for the betterment of its people. Since assuming office on May 29, they said the governor has been determined to lead with transparency, accountability, and a firm stance against corruption.
In his inaugural speech at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Governor Otti emphasised his commitment to a responsible and honest government that will not tolerate corruption or malpractices. He immediately set to work, initiating a rebuilding process that aims to reset the system, foster sustainable socio-economic growth, and attract potential investors.
True to his word, Governor Otti has been engaging with both existing and prospective investors who are eager to explore the investment opportunities in Abia State. This interest from investors showcases the growing confidence in the new administration’s ability to drive positive change.
According to Emeka Ike, a civil servant in the state, to enhance revenue generation and promote economic growth, Governor Otti launched a new digital tax system. He said this system not only simplifies tax compliance for businesses but also eliminates fraud and intermediaries in revenue collection. “The integration of a free medical insurance scheme for commercial vehicle drivers and riders further strengthens the state’s revenue potential and provides affordable healthcare access for the people.
The governor has also taken steps to upgrade healthcare facilities across the state, acknowledging the deplorable state of some hospitals and promising necessary improvements. In an effort to rejuvenate the commercial center of Abia State, Aba, Governor Otti initiated the rehabilitation of several key roads. Clearing drainages and addressing waste management are among the first steps taken to ensure long-lasting infrastructure development.”
Speaking on the changes taking place in the state, Dr. Uche Ejike, a politician, said the state government has enlisted private investors to assist in waste management, with plans to strategically place waste disposal buckets in Aba and Umuahia, the state capital. This initiative not only aims to improve the sanitary conditions of the cities but also generates job opportunities.
He said, “Governor Otti’s unwavering commitment, determination, and passion for the welfare of the people have been evident in his actions since taking office. With his leadership and the support of the people, Abia State looks set to embark on a path of positive transformation and development.
“In Abia State, under Governor Alex Otti’s administration, a compelling aura of suspense surrounds his leadership style. With a determined focus on rescuing the state from its tumultuous past of the last 24 years, Otti has initiated a new social contract with the people of Abia, vowing to utilise all his God-given attributes to serve them diligently.”
To address the state’s challenges, Otti presented a five-point agenda, including economic and social transformation, public service reforms, and internal security. He acknowledges that there is no magical solution to the extensive decay and neglect witnessed over the years. Instead, he emphasises the need for meticulous planning and comprehensive master plans to tackle issues like flooding and rejuvenate cities such as Aba and Umuahia. Immediately after his inauguration, Otti declared a state of emergency on waste management in Umuahia and Aba, leading to the formation of a Taskforce that diligently cleared tons of refuse, making the cities cleaner and more habitable.
The governor actively seeks collaboration with various agencies, organisations, and businesses to achieve his vision of rebuilding the state. He has met with heads of security agencies, the World Bank country director, medical associations, corporate executives, and traditional rulers to foster a united and progressive approach to governance.
Otti’s administration demonstrates a compassionate side, as evidenced by the decision to pay pensioners without waiting for the completion of a verification exercise. He recognises the importance of education and has declared a state of emergency in the sector, with plans to reconstruct and renovate seventeen schools across the state. The governor has also introduced a revolutionary digital tax system to curb fraud and enhance revenue. This system includes a free medical insurance scheme for commercial vehicle operators, fostering entrepreneurial growth within the state.
A group of Abia Civil servants under the umbrella of Concerned Abia Civil Servants for Transparency (CACST) has commended Governor Otti for initiating a process of getting rid of ghost workers allegedly planted by the former PDP-led government in the Abia Civil Service.
Reacting to the frightening discovery, which shows that a lot of illegal names were planted in the Civil Service by the PDP-led government earlier this year for the purpose of winning the support of the Abia electorate, the group, through its leader Mr. Jacob Alozie Nwaagbara, commended Governor Otti for coming up with such measures which the group said would help take care of the welfare of legitimate workers and stop the fraudulent practice of using nonexistent persons to draw salaries from the government treasury.
The group condemned the false alarm being raised by the opposition PDP and their leaders, who are circulating a false story of alleged sack of workers, and reminded them that days were gone when they used fictitious names to draw salaries for themselves while starving genuine workers.
The group expressed happiness on the readiness of the government to begin the payment of salaries on or before the 28th of every month as promised by the governor.
Few days after the inauguration of the governor of the state, Dr. Alex Otti, the opposition PDP started mounting pressure for the payment of May salary, even though it was the PDP-led government that received the May allocation. Unfortunately, investigation later revealed that they had compromised and ballooned the payroll with names of nonexistent workers with the intention of defrauding the state at the expense of genuine workers.
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