NEWS LEVERAGE

By Chuks Omesie

A fact is a true occurrence, while fiction is a product of imagination. In other words, anything grounded in reality is a fact; anything fabricated or imagined is fiction. Before Governor Otti assumed office, Ndi Abia experienced a form overnance that ,felt more like fiction or even phantasmagoria than reality. It was a style marked by falsehoods and deliberate deception, reaching its peak during the last administration under Governor Ikpeazu.

Under the leadership of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Abia State was plunged into an era many would agree was its darkest. Infrastructure decayed, governance lost direction, and the morale of the people especially the youth was crushed. So dire was the situation that many young Abians were left with no tangible opportunities, no structured empowerment, only the illusion of relevance through social media noise.

It would be hard for any honest observer to deny that Ikpeazu’s administration marked a period of disappointment and near-disaster for the state. Abia was crying for help, gasping for a breath of fresh leadership. But to the glory of God, help came. In what many believe to be divine intervention, God sent us a rescuer in the form of Governor Alex Otti.

In just 22 months, Governor Otti has begun to erase the disgrace of the past. His vision, leadership, and sincerity of purpose have brought fresh hope to Abians. Roads are being fixed, institutions are being revived, and the dignity of governance is gradually being restored. The storm is passing, and a new dawn is breaking over Abia State.

Facts vs Fiction Instances:

During the administration of Governor Ikpeazu, Abians were repeatedly told that no construction company could build or maintain roads during the rainy season from April to November. This narrative, unsupported by evidence or common global practice, was peddled tirelessly by government spokesmen such as John Okiyi Kalu, Onyebuchi Ememenka, and Eze Chikamnayo etc. Like a well-rehearsed play, they recited the same lines every year: “Wait for the dry season.” Meanwhile, roads deteriorated, flooding worsened, and road users bore the brunt of inaction. It was almost as if an organized misinformation campaign was designed to numb the public into accepting incompetence. Once the rains ended and the floodwater receded, the noise would die down until the next rainy season, when the cycle of excuses resumed.

But today in Abia State, under Governor Alex Otti, the story has changed. Roads are being built and maintained year-round, rain or shine. Governor Otti appears unconcerned with weather excuses. For him, good governance means solutions, not seasonal storytelling. It makes you wonder: if Governor Otti hadn’t come on the scene, how many more educated elites would still believe that roads can’t be constructed during the rainy season? Thankfully, the truth is now visible, literally beneath our feet.

The Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat, a key administrative complex in Abia State, was originally constructed in 1993 as part of the foundational infrastructure following the state’s creation. For years, the building served various military administrations efficiently. However, under the subsequent PDP-led civilian government, it fell into disrepair due to deliberate neglect and alleged misappropriation of the substantial annual maintenance budget running into billions of naira. According to accounts, former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, during one controversial visit, allegedly inebriated, declared the building unfit for use and ordered its complete abandonment. This led to the eviction of thousands of civil servants, many of whom were forced to work in makeshift setups under trees around the premises.

In stark contrast, Governor Alex Otti prioritized the welfare of civil servants and the efficient use of state resources. Understanding the importance of the secretariat, he commissioned the Ministry of Housing to collaborate with a structural engineering firm to assess the building. The report confirmed that the structure remained sound and did not require demolition.

Governor Otti subsequently embarked on a cost-effective renovation, carried out through direct labor, costing less than ₦600 million even after variations. The refurbished building now serves as the operational base for three key ministries – Health, Education, and Labor and accommodates over 2,000 civil servants in a modern, functional environment. This transformation stands as a testament to prudent governance and a commitment to restoring public infrastructure for the benefit of the people.

Parastatals: Under the previous administrations in Abia State, parastatals were primarily used as conduits for siphoning public funds and as tools for nepotism, often serving to reward family members and girlfriends of those in power under the guise of employment. Monthly subventions were routinely funneled through proxies, with the funds misappropriated and parastatals left without the resources needed to function effectively. Consequently, workers were left unpaid for months. Even the limited internally generated revenue was poorly accounted for, often diverted for personal gain. As a result, the infrastructure and operational capacity of these parastatals were left in a state of decay.

When Governor Otti assumed office, he prioritized the revitalization of all parastatals and ministries. Today, virtually every one of these agencies is now generating revenue, a significant departure from the past. Moreover, the Governor has been committed to providing a conducive working environment and adequate funding for these institutions, something that was sorely lacking in previous administrations.

Take the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State (BCA) as an example. I recently visited their canteen to have my lunch and took the opportunity to inquire about the noticeable improvements in their operations. Unlike in the past, when BCA was reduced to a propaganda radio station, it is now functioning more effectively and professionally.

The Broadcasting Corporation of Abia (BCA), a key parastatal in the state’s media landscape, has witnessed remarkable progress since the inception of Dr. Alex Otti’s administration. The well-considered appointment of the Acting Director General, based on merit, has ushered in a new era of professionalism, higher program quality, and increased revenue generation. This development has been widely applauded by stakeholders and the public alike.

Governor Alex Otti’s unwavering support for the corporation, through timely approvals and consistent overhead funding, has been instrumental in this turnaround. A significant milestone in BCA’s fiscal management was the adoption of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) system, which has notably boosted the station’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

However, for BCA to reach its full potential, the next critical step is the comprehensive retrofitting of its infrastructure. Upgrading to modern transmitters, digital broadcasting tools and a fleet of reliable operational vehicles will elevate the station’s efficiency and enhance its corporate image.

Kudos to His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, for his visionary leadership, and commendations to the current BCA management for their dedication and alignment with the Governor’s reform agenda. With continued investment and innovation, BCA is well on its way to becoming a model public broadcasting institution.
The above and many more are what are happening in Abia State. Under the present leadership of Governor Alex Otti, Abia State is undergoing an impressive transformation. Every part of the state, including all local government areas, is currently experiencing multiple major development projects, many of which have already been completed.
In the past, Abia was often cited as an example of poor governance. However, Governor Otti has completely changed the narrative. For instance, Aba, once known as a city overwhelmed by refuse, has now been thoroughly cleaned and revitalized. This dramatic turnaround has not gone unnoticed, as both local and international investors are now eager to tap into Abia’s growing potential. The education sector is undergoing a significant revival, with widespread retrofitting and modernization of school infrastructure.

The “Operation No for Pothole” initiative is actively transforming Abia’s roads, making them smoother and more accessible. Critical routes like Port Harcourt Road and Ohanku Road (etc) in Aba are currently under reconstruction, with impressive progress already made. Travel within the state has also improved significantly driving from Umuahia to Isuikwuato and Abiriba now takes less than 30 minutes. Roads within cities and leading to key business areas are being fixed and modernized, thanks to the Otti administration.

Healthcare facilities across the state are also undergoing remodeling and upgrades. Visit any health center or simply make a call, and you’ll witness the ongoing improvements firsthand. Governor Otti has not left any sector untouched. Most importantly, Abia is now a more secure state, and by the grace of God, we can proudly say: we are Abians.

For the first time in Abia State, we have a government that truly listens and cares for everyone, including the opposition, even when some of them display extreme bitterness. We now have a leadership that doesn’t rely on propaganda or media spin to boost its image. No false claims, no borrowed achievements from other states. What you see in Abia today is real, homegrown progress. We have a government whose appointees and stakeholders prioritize the collective good over personal gain. A government that promotes meritocracy, pays salaries promptly, and treats every civil servant with dignity, no one is seen as second-class or undeserving. Security of lives and property is a top priority. This administration does not discriminate based on region or background. Campaign promises are being fulfilled, traditional rulers are respected and paid, and the traditional institution is given the honor it deserves. Today in Abia, public institutions and parastatals are functional and efficient. Resources are being managed wisely. There’s an ongoing airport project, a car assembly company has been established, and numerous other transformational projects are underway—too many to list. The Abia of yesterday was repulsive; the Abia of today is becoming an Eldorado.

Who deserves our gratitude for this transformation? First, we thank God. And second, we thank Governor Alex Otti for yielding himself as a vessel for change. If you ask me who the true son of Abia is, I will proudly say: Governor Alex Otti. And this is just 22 months into his administration. Imagine what Abia will look like by the end of his first term and even more, if given the opportunity for a second term. I’m not exaggerating. Visit Abia and see for yourself. You will leave with a renewed faith in what good leadership can achieve.

Thank you for reading. May God continue to bless the governor I have prayed for, as well as the good people of Abia State who are also lifting him up in prayer. We are not ignorant of the opposition, especially from the PDP, whom I refer to as the weeping revanchists.  By God’s grace, they will all live to witness Abia reach its destined glory. For those outside Abia, you are encouraged to verify this story for yourself. You will see that what I’ve shared reflects the true situation on the ground.

I remain your friend and a proud Abia Warriors football fan,
Mr. Chuks Omesie
Alias ChuksDigits
I write from Isuikwuato LGA in Abia State.