Last weekend, the former speakers of the Abia State House of Assembly put aside their political inclinations and praised the state governor, Alex Otti, saying that his first nine months in office had been amazing.
The Speakers met Otti at Nvosi and then accompanied him on an inspection of ongoing projects in Aba, the commercial center, as part of the “Conference of Former Speakers of Abia State House of Assembly.”
The previous leaders of the state legislature, impressed by Otti’s remarkable accomplishments thus far, gave the governor their word that they would back him in realizing his vision for Abia State.
The past Speakers are currently in different political camps as a result of frequent shifts and defections, despite having been elected on the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) platform.
Stanley Ohajuruka, Arua Arunsi, Agwu U. Agwu, Christopher Enweremadu, Martins Azubuike, Chikwendu Kalu, and Ude Okochukwu, who was also the state’s most recent deputy governor, are the former Speakers.
But noticeably missing was the recently retired Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, whose participation would have brought the total to nine.
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Although the Labour Party currently controls Abia, previous speakers stated that governance—rather than party affiliation—is now what counts.
Governor Otti was already establishing his imprint in government, therefore the previous speakers came to offer their guidance and support “as critical stakeholders in Abia,” Ohajuruka explained in outlining their purpose.
He said: “Elections have come and gone and what is expected is governance that is all-encompassing and inclusive. We will offer advice, cooperation and support where needed towards ensuring Abians reap dividends of democracy.”
The immediate past deputy governor, who had served as speaker before crossing over to the executive arm, said that the former speakers were satisfied with Otti’s sterling performance.
He said: “Abia is our own. It belongs to all of us and that is the reason why we are happy with what you are doing. We are here for you in whatever capacity and whatever role we will play.
“We are quite impressed. We have gone out, we have seen things for ourselves; we have seen what you have done.”
In addition to thanking the previous speakers for connecting with him and the work his government is doing in the state, Governor Otti welcomed the nonpartisan endorsement.
He pointed out that since leadership is all about stewardship and service, he had to stay close to the people, keep an eye on them, and make sure contractors were doing their tasks well.
