Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has once again maintained his stance that government money must not be used for private endeavors but solely for government businesses.
Speaking on Wednesday, 8th January, at the 30th anniversary of Ministers Prayer Network held at their Headquarters in Ukwa West LGA, Governor Otti who attended the event alongside his wife, Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, said that he has always maintained running government and separating government from the individual, noting that the same applies to individuals separating their business account from private account.
Governor Otti, whose presence electrified the arena said that he brought the same mindset of separating government business from personal business and using government funds solely for government activities.
“You know we have always held this discussion about running Government and separating government from the Individual.
“In my previous life as a banker, I always taught people, particularly business people that you must always separate your business account from your private account. When you set up a business, you should treat yourself as an employee and pay yourself salaries. Don’t confuse the money in the account of the business as your personal money. They are not the same.
“And, that is the concept that we have brought into governance. Government money is meant for government business”, Governor Otti declared.
The State Chief Executive maintained that whatever support he would be giving to the ministry would be from his pocket and not the government account, reminding the congregation that he was already successful before becoming a governor.
“But, thank God we came from somewhere, we have our own money. All the things that are happening here, I can tell you that as Alex Otti and the wife, we are going to support,” he assured the congregation.
He commended the founder of Ministers Prayer Network (MPN) Rev. Prof. Mosy Madugba, for staying the cause for 30 years, stressing that it took resilience, commitment, and tenacity for that to happen. He said that there is a lot to learn from Rev. Madugba. He encouraged the people to have a vision, put it down on paper, and work on it consistently.
Governor Otti stated that personal development and constant evaluation of what one does with his or her vision over a period of time to ensure that we are on the right track is vital. He explained that part of what Rev. Madugba is doing is to develop, upskill and retrain those that would impact the society. He opined that, “The only way we can win is if we continue to develop ourselves”.
Governor Otti performed the foundation laying of a guest house in the premises of the MPN which they are hopeful of completing before their 31st anniversary.
Rev. Mosy Madugba commended the Governor for the good work he is doing across the State and led other senior anointed men of God into a fervent prayer for the Governor, his entourage, and the State.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sir, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, the Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, Commissioner for Environment, Mr Philemon Ogbonna, and Special Adviser on Religious Affairs, Apostle K.C. Wiper were among the Government functionaries who attended the event with the Governor.
Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
08-01-2025.
