Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has declared that his administration is fully prepared to defend its handling of local government administration in court, following reports that a Civil Society Organization secured leave from the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the state’s management of local government councils.
The Governor made the remarks on Thursday during the July edition of “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,” a monthly media interaction with journalists held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia.
Responding to the planned legal action, Governor Otti said his administration remains confident in its actions and will respond appropriately once the case is officially filed.
“We are waiting for those who want to sue us over local government administration. I won’t give them any tips, but when we receive their suit, we will respond accordingly,” the Governor stated.
He stressed that every policy and programme implemented by his administration is designed to improve the lives of residents across all 17 local government areas, reaffirming his government’s commitment to grassroots development and transparent governance.
Abia Records Progress in Healthcare
Governor Otti highlighted notable achievements in the health sector, revealing that 144 out of the 200 Primary Health Centres earmarked for renovation have been completed and are now operational. He added that 77 additional health facilities supported through the World Bank have also been upgraded.
According to him, rehabilitation work at Abayi Cottage Hospital, Obingwa General Hospital and Arochukwu General Hospital is nearing completion, with equipment already being installed ahead of their commissioning.
He further disclosed that construction and rehabilitation work are progressing at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital and Amachara Specialist Hospital.
To strengthen healthcare delivery, the Governor announced that about 700 of the 881 newly approved medical personnel have resumed duty, while the remaining workers are expected to assume their positions soon.
Smart Schools and Digital Education
Speaking on education, Governor Otti said the recently commissioned Smart Schools in Ubakala and Isiala Ngwa are part of a broader plan to modernize education across Abia State.
He disclosed that another Smart School will soon be commissioned in Aba as the government continues to integrate digital learning, Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics and other emerging technologies into classroom teaching.
“The world has changed. Artificial Intelligence and Robotics are the future, and we must prepare our children early so they are not intimidated by technology,” he said.
Road Infrastructure and Flood Control
The Governor acknowledged that persistent rainfall has slowed work on several road projects but assured residents that construction continues across various locations.
He specifically mentioned ongoing work on Obohia Road in Aba and apologized to residents affected by recent flooding, explaining that additional drainage infrastructure is being constructed to improve flood management.
Land Administration Goes Digital
Governor Otti disclosed that his administration has issued 4,933 Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) within the last three years, with nearly 1,000 issued in 2026 alone.
He also announced the successful completion of the state’s digital mapping exercise, noting that land administration will now be fully digitized to eliminate fraud, improve efficiency and simplify property documentation.
Housing, Tourism and Women’s Empowerment
To address rising accommodation costs, the Governor revealed plans to develop new housing estates in Umuahia.
He also appreciated the visit of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, noting that she approved funding to support women and promote the internationally acclaimed Akwete fabric.
Governor Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to positioning Akwete as a globally recognized cultural and economic brand.
He further announced ongoing development at the Arochukwu Waterfall and the historic Ojukwu Bunker in partnership with the Federal Government as part of efforts to boost tourism and attract investment into the state.
Electric Buses and Transport Expansion
Governor Otti revealed that Abia State has received 20 additional electric buses to strengthen public transportation across the state.
The buses will operate on the following routes:
- Umuahia–Bende
- Umuahia–Okigwe
- Umuahia–Abia State University
- Aba–Ukwa
- Aba–Owerri
He added that all the buses are fitted with electronic surveillance systems to improve passenger safety and operational monitoring.
The Governor also confirmed that the driver and co-driver involved in the recent fare diversion incident involving an Abia Green Shuttle bus have been dismissed.
He disclosed that construction of modern bus terminals and the Ekeoha Transport Hub is progressing steadily and will soon be completed.
Security, Water Supply and Environmental Protection
Governor Otti commended security agencies for sustaining peace across Abia State and congratulated Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa on his promotion to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG). He expressed optimism that the Police Service Commission would soon appoint a new Commissioner of Police for the state.
On water supply, he announced plans to revive the CKC Water Scheme in Aba by engaging the original contractors who built the facility in the 1970s to recapitalize the project.
Responding to concerns over the erosion threatening communities in Uzuakoli, Bende Local Government Area, the Governor assured residents that government intervention is underway, noting that the Commissioner for Environment has already inspected the affected area.
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Governor Otti concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering sustainable development across all sectors while assuring Abians that his government will continue working to improve their quality of life.
