By Steve Oko
The traditional ruler of Ekeoba Ancient Kingdom, Ohuhu, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, HRM Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna, has faulted the sustained criticism of Governor Alex Otti by three immediate past governors of the state, describing it as “unfair and unacceptable.”
The monarch urged Governor Otti not to be distracted, assuring him that his performance would speak volumes for him ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking in Umuahia, Eze Nwokenna decried what he termed a “gang-up” against Otti by three former governors, stressing that within a relatively short period, the current administration has recorded far better achievements than previous ones.
He particularly took exception to comments credited to former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, who alleged that Governor Otti was merely repainting roads constructed during his tenure.
The traditional ruler dismissed the claim as false, insisting that Abia State has witnessed massive and unprecedented infrastructural development under Otti in less than three years.
According to him, while criticism is a legitimate part of democracy, it should be constructive rather than misleading.
Eze Nwokenna also commended the installation of modern traffic lights in major cities such as Aba and Umuahia, noting that unlike previous attempts that failed shortly after installation, the current traffic control systems are durable and of international standard.
“The impact is obvious. Drivers now obey traffic lights even when there are no vehicles approaching from the opposite direction,” he said.
The monarch advised former governors to allow Governor Otti to concentrate on governance, adding that several people-oriented projects are ongoing across the state, with residents eagerly anticipating their completion.
He reaffirmed that Abians would ultimately express their verdict through the ballot in 2027.
In a related reaction, a human rights activist and public affairs analyst, Comrade Paul Njoku, also defended the governor’s record, describing Otti’s achievements as remarkable.
Njoku said he had lived in Abia State for many years and was impressed by the scale of development recorded within a short time under the present administration.
He accused the former governors of being unfair in their criticism, noting that “even the blind can feel the impact of good governance.”
He insisted that Governor Otti’s achievements go far beyond road resurfacing.
He listed new road construction, the revival of moribund industries, the rehabilitation of healthcare facilities, improvements in education, and innovation-driven projects as evidence of tangible progress across the state.
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