Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports suggesting that he is seeking the position of Director-General of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike, while rejecting the claim, reaffirmed his commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term, stressing that holding a position in the campaign council was not necessary for him to contribute to the President’s electoral success.

The reports had named the FCT minister among senior APC figures and government officials allegedly interested in the campaign council’s top position or being considered for the role.

Wike, however, described the reports as untrue.

In a statement issued yesterday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the minister said he had neither lobbied for the position nor held discussions with anyone regarding membership or leadership of the proposed campaign council.

Explaining his current activities, Wike said he was outside the country taking a break after an extensive period of official engagements in the FCT.

“I am outside Nigeria, resting and relaxing after spending over 30 days, commissioning projects, flagging off new ones and inspecting ongoing ones, especially those scheduled for commissioning in December and January, next year.

“When I return, our focus will be the continuous delivery of our mandate in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and to further enhance his electoral fortune in Rivers State and the FCT.

“Therefore, I do not need to be the DG or even member of the Presidential Campaign Council of Mr President’s political party to contribute my quota by ensuring that he wins handsomely in Rivers State and the FCT,” the statement read.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has reportedly frozen an Osun State Government account domiciled with the First Bank, just 10 days before the state’s governorship election.

According to documents obtained by Our Reporter, the account, said to be used for the payment of workers’ salaries, was placed on a “Post No Debit” restriction by the anti-graft agency.

The development came shortly after Governor Ademola Adeleke, alleged that the EFCC was planning to freeze state government accounts and those belonging to top officials ahead of the August 15 election.

Reacting to the move, the state government, through the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, described the reported action as an attempt to disrupt government operations in the lead-up to the poll.

Governor Adeleke argued that there was no legal justification for freezing the state’s accounts, insisting that the EFCC lacks the statutory authority to take such action against a state government.

A source close to the administration, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the account had already been restricted.

“I can confirm that the state government account has been frozen by the EFCC. It is no longer an allegation. The governor will address the press shortly to update the public on the situation,” the source said.

As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not issued an official statement regarding the development, while the reason behind the account restriction remained unclear.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State has bounced back to the front burner of the state politics and would return to power in 2027, said its governorship candidate, Dr. Kelechi Anosike.

Dr. Anosike made the disclosure in Umuahia during a stakeholders meeting of the party, in which he presented Abraham Amah, the state chairman of PDP, as his running mate.

The Abia PDP governorship candidate said the party was not aiming at anything less than victory in the state in next year’s election.

“For us as a party, the only thing we see is victory. In front of us is victory, and we are not making a mistake about it.

Everything we have done is intentional, everything we have done is well thought through. We considered all possibilities, considered all challenges before we stepped into it.

“One good thing about what we are doing is that our presence is already unsettling the system, the impact is felt, and we are just about to start. So, it’s already shaking and PDP is suddenly back to the front burner. We are now being considered again as a major threat. “We are back and we have tested what it means to be out of power for three years. And we cannot afford one extra year of it. So we are roaring back fully”, he said.

Anosike revealed that Amah was chosen as his running mate for the 2027 election after extensive consultation with the party leadership and other stakeholders.

The Abia PDP governorship candidate said, on a personal note, before choosing Amah, that he looked at his administrative competence, commitment to the party, and the strategic importance of the nomination to the party.

“In choosing Amah, I looked at his administrative competence, I looked at his commitment to the party, and I looked at the strategic importance of his nomination to the party.

“The joint ticket is divine, it is designed to win. This is a joint ticket that can take us back to the Government House.

Anosike, who comes from Abia Central, disclosed that with the nomination of Amah, who is from Abia North as his running mate, the Speakership of the state House of Assembly will go to Abia South.

Anosike boasted that the PDP is presenting a complete ticket that will change the story of Abia State after the election.

Amah, accepting his nomination, thanked Anosike and the leadership of the party for finding him fit to be the running mate of the party for the 2027 election. He pleaded to work closely with the governorship candidate and other members of the party for PDP’s victory.

The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Amupitan, yesterday said that sellers and buyers of votes will be arrested in the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

Amukpitan also expressed satisfaction with the functionality of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) deployed during Saturday’s mock accreditation exercise conducted by the commission ahead of the poll.

Addressing journalists during an interactive session in Osogbo, Amupitan said what his team observed during the accreditation exercise and confirmed that INEC’s technological defence against identity theft and result manipulation is robust and fully operational.

He noted that the mock accreditation exercise is part of INEC’s quality assurance protocol, adding that it is designed to stress-test the commission’s technological infrastructure under real-world field conditions before the actual election.

According to him, the BVAS demonstrated optimal field resilience during the exercise, with voter accreditation taking between 30 seconds and two minutes using either fingerprint or facial recognition.

“The dual-authentication nature of the BVAS has significantly minimised instances of non-verification, which was one of our primary goals,” he said.

Amupitan further disclosed that, following concerns raised by some political parties over the number of BVAS devices deployed to the state, INEC increased the number of machines for the election from 4,427 to 5,130 to cater for split polling units in large polling units in Ife East, Irewole, Egbedore, Ede North and Osogbo.

“Based on concerns expressed by some political parties on the number of BVAS deployed to the state, we have increased the total number of BVAS for the election from 4,427 to 5,130,” he stated.

On vote buying, the INEC chairman said plainclothes anti-corruption officers would monitor the perimeters of polling units to arrest both vote buyers and sellers.

He added that the commission was partnering with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to track suspicious bank transactions.

He said the commission might also leverage the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and was already in discussions with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation on additional measures to combat the menace.

The INEC boss, who harped on the need for a peaceful election, said the commission had held strategic meetings with security agencies under the aegis of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

“We have received assurances that a specialised, non-partisan security deployment plan is in place to protect the integrity of the ballot and ensure that citizens of Osun can exercise their franchise without fear,” he said.

Amupitan also assured persons with disabilities of the seamless exercise of their civic rights, adding that everything required to ensure a hitch-free election had been put in place.

The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Peter Obi, has lauded veteran entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, and renowned environmentalist and adventurer Newton Jibunoh for what he described as their enduring contributions to nation-building and public service.

Obi spoke after attending the launch of 999: The Memoir of Charly Boy in Lagos and visiting the newly inaugurated Newton Jibunoh Centre and Museum in Asaba.

He said Charly Boy was often misunderstood because of his unconventional public image, insisting that behind the controversial persona is “a thoughtful intellectual, compassionate human being and patriot committed to building a better Nigeria.”

The former Anambra State governor particularly commended Charly Boy’s campaign for men’s health through his foundation, noting that the entertainer had turned his personal battle with prostate cancer into a nationwide advocacy for early detection and improved access to treatment.

“Good health remains one of the strongest pillars of national development, and I will continue to support initiatives that improve the well-being of Nigerians,” Obi said.

On Jibunoh, Obi described the elder statesman as one of Nigeria’s living legends, whose courage and resilience continue to inspire generations.

Although he missed Jibunoh’s Mandela Day event with the theme, “Poverty and Inequality Are in Our Hands,” Obi said he deemed it necessary to pay him a personal visit at the newly established centre and museum in Asaba.

He recalled Jibunoh’s historic expeditions across the Sahara Desert to London, describing the journeys as remarkable feats that symbolised determination and perseverance.

Obi said the expeditions also underscored how much safer travel within Nigeria and across Africa once was, lamenting the country’s worsening insecurity.

According to him, Jibunoh’s experiences serve as a reminder of the urgent need to restore security, unity and prosperity in Nigeria.

He reaffirmed his conviction that “A New Nigeria is Possible.”

Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the Presidency’s attack on the Catholic Church and John Cardinal Onaiyekan, accusing the President Bola Tinubu administration of growing intolerant of dissent and uncomfortable truths.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu yesterday, Atiku said the Presidency chose intimidation and political attacks instead of reflecting on the substance of the cleric’s message.

Catholic bishops had recently had an engagement with the president, where the latter defended his record and the independence of the electoral umpire.

However, the cardinal in a television interview on Friday said the Catholic bishops told the president that the country is bleeding and the economy is not helping poor citizens.

According to him, Tinubu and his officials present at the meeting were “not looking very happy” with the speech, adding that it was a different speech from what the president usually listens to.

But the president slammed Onaiyekan, accusing him and the Catholic Church, among other things, of working for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.

Atiku suggested the Presidency’s response reflected a habit of surrounding itself with fake and compliant clerics allegedly used in the lead up to the 2023 general election, contrasting this with the independence of Catholic bishops.

“Perhaps the Presidency has become so accustomed to inviting ‘fake bishops’ that it now assumes every cleric can be recruited into political propaganda. But Catholic bishops are different. They are not political props, rented cheerleaders or praise singers. They are shepherds with a moral obligation to speak truth to power, regardless of whose interests are bruised. They cannot be used,” he said.

The former Vice President said the Catholic Church has historically served as a moral voice for the poor and vulnerable regardless of who occupies Aso Rock, and praised the bishops for confronting President Tinubu directly.

He described the Presidency’s commentary against Cardinal Onaiyekan as arrogant and unbecoming of government, accusing officials of attempting to distort the cleric’s engagement with the President.

According to him, what the media managers of the Tinubu administration attempted to do was to cancel and overwrite the voices of the Catholic Bishops by selectively editing and reframing their engagement with the president in order to manufacture a narrative favourable to the government.

He said Cardinal Onaiyekan’s decision to speak to the Press afterward was merely an effort to place the facts on record.

“A government confident in its record welcomes criticism because it provides an opportunity for reflection and improvement. Only an insecure government wages war against honest voices while rewarding those who tell it only what it wants to hear,” he said.

The former vice president noted that the Cardinal’s comments merely reflected the daily realities of hunger, insecurity, poverty, unemployment and the cost-of-living crisis confronting Nigerians, and that attacking him would not erase those realities.

Atiku demanded that the Presidency apologises to the Catholic Church, Cardinal Onaiyekan and Catholic faithful nationwide, warning that the administration would continue to face accusations of arrogance and intolerance until it did so.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, said on Saturday that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the biggest loser in the political crisis that rocked the state.

Wike further said the governor lost the opportunity to return for a second term in office because he was listening and acting on wrong advice from his supporters, who deceived him and worsened the crisis in the state.

The FCT minister spoke on Saturday during a media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

He said Fubara’s failure to preside over the last local government election, which produced the current council chairmen in the 23 LGAs, and having no control of the state House of Assembly showed he was not in charge even as governor.

Wike stated, “Impeachment is constitutionally provided but it is used as a political tool. When you are having two people quarreling, at a certain stage, you have to surrender. If you don’t surrender, this is what will happen to you. Now you have to weigh the option. For the interest of peace, let us sheathe our swords.

“Impeachment is constitutionally provided for, but you don’t come out every time to say you want to carry out impeachment. That is only done when you see that things are not working very well. Even in that situation, you have to be very careful; there is a process. Remember the impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump.

“All these are political tools but provided in the Constitution. A time comes when you discuss the tools. So that is what has happened here. In the interest of peace, look, you give and take.”

Wike expressed disappointment that the governor could not break into the state House of Assembly during the crisis, saying that, of the 29 members of the House, none was with him, nor were any of those who were his supporters.

“Assembly of 29 members, not one was taken away. What does it tell you? You’re a leader, for example, in Okrika, the Assembly member is here. You’re a leader in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government, the Assembly member is not with you. You’re a leader in Khana Local Government, the Assembly member is not with you. You’re a leader in Andoni Local Government, the Assembly member is not with you. You’re a leader in Obio/Akpor, you don’t have one Assembly member.

“You’re running to the governor that we are with you; with you with what? He (Fubara) couldn’t break the Assembly. What does it tell you? Everything is money, money. If it is money, who has the money?

“All these people who surrounded the governor, look at all the fights. What impact or input did they make to help the governor succeed? They were there and a state of emergency was declared. What did they do?

“When I said the governor is losing, what I mean… the governor did not preside over the local government election. He did not. The one he did was nullified by the Supreme Court and they were all sacked. How do you think that, as a governor, I did not superintend over the election? Two, because of some people who surrounded him, giving him advice, the governor did not secure a second term,” he said.

The FCT minister continued, “Remember when I flagged off the Ring Road. I flagged off the Ring Road and I said if you complete this Ring Road, nobody will stop your second term. Now, if I had said that, it means that I laid a foundation for you. You know how painful it is. Whether you like it or not, the governor knows what he saw; he knows what he faced. People who advised him did not even know.

“All their interest is fight, fight. What is your contribution to that fight? Let me tell you something. I watch television. I watch people like Ann-Kio Briggs. Each time I watch television and see her talk, I say, look at people who are deceiving the governor. What does she have to contribute to even help the governor?

“I was a governor in this state. I know all these people. In fact, there has been no politician in this state since 1999. I can say I’m the most experienced politician now. All over the world, somebody must control at a particular time. In the United States, there are people now planning that after Donald Trump, we are going to take over. There is no politics in this world where you don’t see a group controlling.”

Asked how Fubara is the biggest loser, he said, “If you want me to say the bitter truth, I feel for him. But yes, he is the biggest loser. Yes, he lost because, look at it, God gave you something on a platter of gold. There is no problem; there is no basis. In fact, as a strategist, how would you stay 100 days in office, assuming, as you said, though not conceding, that he is under pressure to bring money? One hundred days in office, and you cannot stomach it.

“Assuming what they are saying is correct, say, ‘Look, I need to go somewhere. I need to make a contribution to the state.’ As it stands now, who is going to lose? The state has lost, I lost. I didn’t want the state to lose. I wanted the state to progress and, as politicians too, you don’t want your own group to lose out. Let nobody deceive you.

“Even those who supported Siminalayi, they said that they cannot allow us to continue to be in power. Politics is not church. Politics is all about power. What you use the power for is a different thing. Whether you use it for the interest of the people or not is a different thing.”

The Presidency has dismissed recent comments by the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, on the Tinubu administration and the 2027 general election, describing them as political rather than spiritual.

The special adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, made the remarks on Saturday in a post on his X handle while responding to the Cardinal’s concerns that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was determined to win the 2027 election “by all means.”

Cardinal Onaiyekan, during an appearance on Arise Television’s programme, Prime Time, on Friday, expressed fears that the credibility of future elections could be undermined if Nigeria failed to reform its electoral system.

He also questioned the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), despite President Tinubu’s assurances about the electoral body’s independence.

The cleric warned that the administration appeared determined to retain power at all costs, arguing that the use of the advantages of incumbency could erode public confidence in the electoral process.

Reacting, Bwala argued that Onaiyekan was expressing a political opinion that did not represent the views of all Christians in Nigeria.

According to him, the Cardinal was speaking for Catholics rather than all Christians, and alleged that the Catholic Church had supported Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

He, however, added that not all Catholics supported Obi and accused the Cardinal of being “more political than spiritual.”

Bwala also defended President Tinubu’s response to criticism of his administration’s economic performance, insisting that the President was well within his rights to disagree with the Cardinal’s views based on facts, statistics and contextual data.

He further argued that religious leaders often encourage their followers to speak positively despite difficult circumstances, saying it was ironic for the Cardinal to criticise the government’s economic narrative while faith leaders frequently preach optimism even in times of hardship.

The presidential aide also maintained that there was a body representing all Christians, including Catholics and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, and said such a body should remain neutral in political matters.

Cardinal Onaiyekan had also cautioned against the emergence of a one-party state, stressing that while it was not the President’s responsibility to strengthen the opposition, it was important to ensure that elections remained free, fair and credible so that the votes of Nigerians would count.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has corrected his mistakes, stressing that he has no other option than to return to the political family that produced him.
Wike, who made this assertion yesterday, after inspecting some ongoing road projects across the FCT, stated that Fubara did not commit any crime by reconciling with his political camp.
The minister dismissed suggestions that Fubara’s return amounted to forgiveness after years of political disagreement.
“He has no option but to return to the political family that made him. I don’t know what you mean by sin. In politics, there is no sin. If someone realises they made a mistake and decides to correct it, there is nothing wrong with that.
“Politics is not a sin. What matters is recognizing that you were on the wrong path and making the right decision,” he said.
Wike recalled that he had predicted the reconciliation well before Fubara made it public, adding that his public declaration of reconciliation would strengthen efforts to mobilize support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Action Peoples Party, (APP), in Imo State, has hailed the court of appeal’s ruling on the restoration of opposition parties’ participation in the 2027 general elections, describing it as a victory for democracy in Nigeria.
The party applauded the Appeal court judgment setting aside a Federal High Court ruling that ordered the deregistration of the APP and four other political parties.
In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Owerri, by the State Publicity Secretary, Steve Nnadi, the party described the unanimous decision of the appellate court as a triumph for democracy, constitutional order, the rule of law, and Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system.
According to the statement, the judgment has reaffirmed the independence of the judiciary and restored public confidence in the nation’s democratic institutions.
The party commended the Justices of the Court of Appeal for their courage, impartiality, and unwavering commitment to justice by declaring the earlier judgment a nullity and restoring the legal status of the affected political parties.
The party called on all its members across the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State to remain united, focused, disciplined, and committed to the collective responsibility of building a stronger and more formidable political platform.
It urged party faithful to intensify grassroots mobilisation, expand membership, promote voter education, and strengthen the party’s structures in readiness for the elections.
The leadership also appealed to the people of Imo State to remain steadfast in their confidence, belief, and continued support for the Action Peoples Party, APP.
It assured the electorate that the APP remains committed to providing purposeful leadership, promoting good governance, ensuring accountability, and delivering people-centred policies that will enhance sustainable development across the state and Nigeria.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has voided and set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court which ordered the proscription of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party and three others.

The appellate court in a judgment on yesterday, held that the Forum of Former Legislators, which filed the deregistration suit have no locus standi to have instituted the matter.

The Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Peter Odo Lifu was consequently voided, set aside and thrown out.

In the unambiguous judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal panel led by Justice Abba Bello, a penalty of N1 million was awarded against the former legislators that filed the case.

A former Political Adviser to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Akin Osuntokun, has disclosed that the former Nigerian leader was the one who brokered the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE News yesterday, Osuntokun said the former president remains the principal force behind their joint presidential ticket for the 2027 election.

He dismissed suggestions that Obasanjo was secretly working for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Osuntokun maintained that such claims were inconsistent with the former president’s political actions.

He insisted that Obasanjo had instead played a leading role in bringing Obi and Kwankwaso together as running mates under the NDC ticket.

“If you can say that Obasanjo is supporting any ticket, it is the Peter Obi–Kwankwaso ticket. As a matter of fact, he is the principal sponsor of that ticket,” Osuntokun declared.

He argued that allegations linking Obasanjo with Tinubu’s political camp lacked logic, especially considering the former president’s alleged involvement in putting the opposition ticket together.

“So how do you then suggest that he is secretly working for Tinubu? It does not make sense to me. I think that claim is absolute bunkum. The evidence is in the public domain. Obasanjo is playing a major role in supporting the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket. He was the one who brought the two men together,” he added.

When pressed to confirm whether Obasanjo actually brokered the ticket, Osuntokun stood firmly by his words.

“Yes, of course. That’s what I said. He brokered the ticket between Obi and Kwankwaso. Both of them are quite close to him.

“It is a ticket that makes sense and has the potential to make a significant impact in the 2027 election. I can tell you for free that he was the one who brought the ticket together,” Osuntokun stated.

The former adviser also disclosed that discussions for an Obi-Kwankwaso alliance could have materialised much earlier, saying talks had taken place several years before the current arrangement.

“Kwankwaso could have teamed up with Obi four years ago. I remember him saying that if they had agreed then, they would probably have had an arrangement in which they would each spend one term in office, and Kwankwaso would now have been the beneficiary,” Osuntokun said.

He stressed that Obasanjo’s role in the alliance was already public knowledge and questioned why anyone would conclude that the former president was supporting Tinubu simply because the president visited him in 2023.

Osuntokun further described the Obi/Kwankwaso joint ticket as a stronger and more realistic alliance than the Labour Party’s 2023 ticket.

He said a partnership between Obi and Kwankwaso would improve the opposition’s chances in the 2027 presidential election because of Kwankwaso’s political influence, particularly in Kano state.

“Obi and Kwankwaso is a much more realistic, more compelling ticket than the 2023 one. That’s why I said this is a more realistic, more compelling ticket than the 2023 one.

Explaining why he believes the alliance would be stronger, Osuntokun said Kwankwaso’s political base would significantly boost the ticket.

“If you have somebody like Kwankwaso, somebody who, we’ll wait to see how it turns out, you know, who makes, you know, a kind of state politic. That is a big, you know, big bonus, you know, for the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket,” he said.

Apart from that, Osuntokun rejected claims that former President Obasanjo manipulated the 2003 elections to undermine Alliance for Democracy (AD) governors in the South-West.

He described conspiracy theories surrounding that election as unfounded, insisting there were logical reasons why the AD governors lost. “I was very active during that period and I can say categorically that nothing of that sort happened. The election in which the AD governors lost can be explained state by state,” he said.

To All Indigenes and Residents of Abia State,
To All Imo State Citizens Resident and doing Business in Abia
And To All Nigerians Across Board,

I write this epistle with a heart full of gratitude to commend the transformative and inclusive leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR and his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu. Since assuming office, Dr. Otti has shown uncommon courage, vision, and what I will call “Dodgedness” and the fearlessness to do what is right for all, irrespective of tribe, language, or state of origin.

20 WONDERFUL THINGS DR. ALEX OTTI HAS DONE IN ABIA STATE I CAN ATTEST TO

1. Restoration of Aba Cleanliness: The “New Aba” project has returned sanity, cleared drainages, and made Aba commercially viable again.
2. Road Infrastructure: Massive rehabilitation and construction of roads across the 17 LGAs — Port Harcourt Road, Cemetery Road, and many rural roads.
3. Payment of Salary Arrears: Cleared years of backlog of workers’ salaries and pensions, restoring dignity to civil servants.
4. Healthcare Revival: Ongoing rehabilitation of General Hospitals and Primary Health Centers across Abia. The reforms at ABSUTH and the Specialist Hospital.
5. Education Reforms: Payment of WAEC fees for students, renovation of public schools, and recruitment of teachers.
6. Security Architecture: Partnership with security agencies that has drastically reduced insecurity in Aba and Umuahia.
7. Digital Governance: Introduction of e-governance and transparency in government transactions.
8. Support to MSMEs: Grants, loans, and enabling environment for small businesses to thrive.
9. Agricultural Revival: Inputs, mechanization, and support to farmers to boost food production.
10. Judicial Independence: Respect for the rule of law and non-interference with the judiciary.
11. Urban Renewal: Master plan for Aba, Umuahia and the entire state to restore them to model cities.
12. Energy Intervention: Work with Geometric Power to improve electricity supply to Aba industrial cluster.
13. Civil Service Reform: Training, promotion, and motivation of the workforce.
14. Youth Empowerment: Skills acquisition programs like ATSAC and direct employment opportunities.
15. Inclusive Appointments: Giving jobs and appointments to indigenes of all states resident in Abia. He governs Abia for all who live and invest in Abia.
16. Women and Gender Inclusion: Key positions and support programs for women in government and business.
17. Anti-Corruption Stance: Prudent management of state resources and cutting wasteful spending.
18. Sports and Youth Development: Revival of sports facilities and support for talents.
19. Traditional Institutions: Respect and collaboration with traditional rulers and community leaders.
20. Peaceful Coexistence: A government that accepts all states and works with all individuals across all states. Abia under Otti is truly home for everyone.

His “Dodgedness” is evident — he takes bold decisions without fear or favor, but with compassion for the common man.

*As a LECTURER, Here are 10 WONDERFUL THINGS HE HAS DONE AT OGBONNAYA ONU POLYTECHNIC, ABA Formerly Abia State Polytechnic*

As a Lecturer in the Department of Artificial Intelligence, Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, I have witnessed firsthand the Governor’s commitment to tertiary education.

1. Approval and Commencement of the 2024 Salary Structure: For the first time in years, the new salary scale was approved in 2024 and has commenced. Our take-home has improved.
2. Payment of Salary Arrears: Years of owed salaries have been cleared, bringing relief to staff and their families.
3. Infrastructure Upgrade: Renovation of lecture halls, workshops, and administrative blocks. The movement to Osisioma permanent campus is now a reality with massive construction works and road projects ongoing inside the campus
4. Accreditation Support: Resources released to ensure courses gain full accreditation.
5. Recruitment of Staff: Employment to fill critical academic and non-academic gaps.
6. ICT and Digital Learning: Provision of computers and internet facilities to aid teaching, especially in new departments like Artificial Intelligence.
7. Students’ Welfare: Subvention released to stabilize school fees and improve student services. Finanacial Support to 100 Distinction Student with 1million Naira grant.
8. Staff Training and Retraining: Sponsorship of staff for capacity building and conferences.
9. Restoration of Academic Calendar: Stability has returned. No more incessant strikes and disruptions.
10. Autonomy and Non-Interference: The Polytechnic now enjoys administrative freedom to thrive.

OUR POSITION COME 2027
Indeed, we need Otti and Emetu come 2027.
The work has just started. For us to finish what we have started, Dr. Alex Otti must go back to complete his work.

I call on all indigenes and residents of Abia State, all Imo State citizens resident in Abia, and other Nigerians across board, this is our time.
Get your PVCs ready. Let us vote massively to return this administration for a second term.

On behalf of our Capacity Hardworking Rector, Engr. Dr. Christopher Kalu Okoro, I wish to sincerely commend the great works of Dr. Alex Chioma Otti and his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu. Abia is alive again.

Signed,

Dr. Anthony Uchenna Chimezie
Department of Artificial Intelligence
Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba

Secretary General,
Ihitte Ezinihitte Development Union Worldwide.

General Secretary, Mbaukwu Development Union Federated

Aka Kpara Nkwa ya Ekwuo 1 of Mbaukwu Ihitte Ezinihitte, Mbaise, Imo State.
anthony.chimezie@abiastatepolytechnic.edu.ng