By Mark Chukwu, Umuahia
Former Chief of Staff to the immediate past Governor of Abia State and member of Governor Alex Otti’s Campaign Advisory Council, Professor ACB Agbazuere, has appealed to Abians to support Governor Alex Otti’s re-election bid, insisting that the governor deserves another term to consolidate his administration’s achievements.
Prof. Agbazuere made the appeal on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, during a radio interview broadcast simultaneously across several radio stations in Abia State. He used the opportunity to assess the performance of the Otti-led administration, highlighting what he described as significant progress in infrastructure, urban renewal, workers’ welfare and governance.
According to the former Chief of Staff, Governor Otti has demonstrated a strong commitment to transforming Abia through visible development projects and policies aimed at improving the living conditions of residents.
He particularly highlighted the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road in Aba, describing it as one of the administration’s outstanding infrastructure achievements. He noted that the road had previously presented serious engineering challenges because of its difficult soil conditions but had now been transformed into a modern highway with impressive streetlighting.
Agbazuere also commended the reconstruction of Bank Road, which he said reflected the administration’s determination to deliver quality infrastructure across the state.
On other major projects, he praised the construction of the Omenuko Bridge and the Arochukwu Road, recalling the difficulties motorists and residents previously encountered while using the old bridge and travelling along the route.
He observed that the construction of the Arochukwu Road had helped change the longstanding perception that reaching Arochukwu was an exceptionally difficult journey.
The Campaign Advisory Council member maintained that genuine achievements should be acknowledged regardless of political differences, stressing that the collective development of Abia should take precedence over partisan interests.
Agbazuere Highlights Otti’s Urban Renewal and Workers’ Welfare Initiatives
Speaking on urban development and environmental sanitation, Prof. Agbazuere noted that Abia had recorded considerable improvements in environmental cleanliness and the physical appearance of its urban centres.
He also referenced the ongoing development around Government House, including the Governor’s Office Complex, describing the projects as evidence of the administration’s commitment to creating a more organised and modern government environment.
On workers’ welfare, he applauded Governor Otti for prioritising the payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, describing these responsibilities as essential obligations that every responsible government must fulfil.
He further highlighted the reported increase in monthly allowances for members of the Traditional Rulers Council. According to him, allowances that previously did not exceed ₦50,000 had reportedly been raised to a minimum of ₦250,000 per traditional ruler.
Agbazuere also noted that Governor Otti’s administration was attracting recognition beyond Abia, referencing the Afro Award of Excellence in Leadership presented to the governor at the fifth Afro Awards in Los Angeles, alongside other recognitions associated with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum.
Prof. Agbazuere Defends Government Spending, Challenges Critics
Responding to criticisms concerning the financial allocations received by Abia State and whether they had translated into sufficient development, Agbazuere argued that such assessments should consider the prevailing economic realities and the rising costs of construction materials.
He specifically cited the significant increase in cement prices, explaining that a bag which previously sold for approximately ₦2,000 had risen to about ₦12,000, thereby substantially increasing the cost of infrastructure projects.
He challenged critics to visit Abia and personally inspect ongoing and completed projects before drawing conclusions about the administration’s performance.
“People should come to Abia and see things for themselves. It is not enough to sit somewhere and criticise the government without physically assessing the projects being executed. When you see the quality of the roads and other infrastructure, you will appreciate the level of work being done,” he stated.
Describing Governor Otti as a banker and trained economist, Agbazuere said the governor understood the importance of financial discipline, transparency and responsible management of public resources.
He maintained that government funds belonged to the people and must be carefully managed and invested in projects capable of delivering meaningful benefits to the state.
According to him, public resources should never be spent indiscriminately, adding that every government expenditure must be properly evaluated to ensure accountability and value for money.
Agbazuere Calls for Political Unity Behind Otti’s Second-Term Bid
Turning to the political future of Abia State, the former Chief of Staff urged residents to look beyond political affiliations and support leadership that prioritises development and the general welfare of the people.
He observed that Governor Otti’s performance was increasingly attracting positive reactions from individuals across different political parties, including members of opposition parties.
Agbazuere also recalled comments reportedly made by a prominent opposition governorship candidate during the 2023 election, when Otti was described as the best candidate for the position. He argued that the qualities recognised in the governor during the election campaign were now being demonstrated through his administration’s activities.
He therefore appealed to Abians across the political divide to support Otti’s second-term ambition, maintaining that continuity would provide an opportunity to complete ongoing projects and strengthen the development initiatives already underway.
He reiterated that the governor deserved another opportunity to build on the progress recorded in infrastructure, urban renewal, workers’ welfare and public administration.
Agbazuere Dismisses Charles Ogbonnaya’s Allegation Against Otti
In another significant aspect of the radio interview, Prof. Agbazuere dismissed allegations attributed to Chief Charles Ogbonnaya, who reportedly claimed that Governor Alex Otti once told him that Ngwa people have no brains.
Agbazuere described the allegation as unfounded and politically motivated, insisting that it would not weaken Governor Otti’s political support, particularly among the Ngwa people.
He argued that political seasons often create opportunities for individuals to make controversial statements and allegations, warning that public figures must be responsible and factual in their engagements.
According to him, the allegation posed no significant threat to the governor’s political standing.
“As far as I am concerned, it is no threat at all. Number one, this is a political season, and here in Africa, most of our people use political seasons to say whatever they like,” Agbazuere stated.
The former Chief of Staff further cautioned those making allegations against the governor not to mistake Otti’s peaceful disposition for weakness.
He stressed that the governor had individuals and supporters who were prepared to defend his reputation and stand firmly behind his administration.
“Let me advise our people. Dr Alex Otti may love peace; Dr Alex Otti may not want trouble, but they should see that people like us are now with him.
“I want to advise that anybody who wants to say anything should be careful and say what he knows to be true,” he added.
Agbazuere also warned that individuals who make defamatory statements could face legal consequences, including possible civil and criminal liability under applicable Nigerian laws. He specifically referenced the Cybercrimes Act in cautioning against the misuse of digital platforms to circulate allegedly false or damaging claims.
Abia’s Political Future and the Call for Continuity
Prof. Agbazuere’s comments underscore the growing political discussions surrounding Governor Alex Otti’s second-term ambition as the 2027 governorship election approaches.
His position is that the administration’s performance in infrastructure development, workers’ welfare, urban renewal and financial management provides sufficient grounds for Abians to consider continuity.
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He maintained that political differences should not prevent citizens from acknowledging development efforts and encouraged residents to evaluate the government’s performance based on projects and tangible outcomes.
As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the next governorship election, the appeal by the Campaign Advisory Council member adds to the ongoing debate about governance, performance and the future leadership of Abia State.
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