The member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Obi Aguocha, has praised the administration of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, describing its performance as a significant acceleration of the state’s development.
Aguocha made the remarks during a radio interview while assessing the achievements of the Otti administration and highlighting areas where more attention is still required, particularly the welfare of pensioners.
The federal lawmaker, who described himself as a strong advocate of the Otti administration, said the government’s performance should be assessed against the condition of Abia before it assumed office.
According to Aguocha, the administration has implemented projects and policies across several sectors and, in his assessment, has moved the state considerably beyond its previous development trajectory.
“I am a rallyer, a passionate advocate and defender of this government led by Dr. Alex Otti. We have come as a group to change the narrative of our state,” Aguocha said, while highlighting what he described as the scale of work carried out under the current administration.
He argued that the pace of development recorded within the period Otti has been in office demonstrates a substantial change in the state, urging Abians to recognise the progress while also maintaining constructive scrutiny of government.
Aguocha further challenged residents to consider whether another administration could have achieved more within the same period, particularly given the challenges inherited by the present government.
“Otti has fast-tracked Abia eight years ahead of his tenure. Who would have done better?” he asked.
The lawmaker, however, acknowledged that governance involves addressing both developmental projects and the immediate welfare concerns of citizens. He therefore called for greater attention to pensioners and the payment of outstanding obligations owed to retired workers.
According to him, pension payments have improved compared with previous years, but more needs to be done to address accumulated gratuity obligations.
“I think we need to pay more emphasis now, serious emphasis on pensioners. A lot of pensioners are receiving their pensions and all this stuff, and it is great, better than what has been before,” he stated.
Aguocha also expressed optimism that the backlog of gratuities would be addressed in phases. He said retirees whose outstanding gratuities fall within the 2001 to 2011 period would be among those targeted in the initial phase, followed by subsequent categories.
He expressed confidence that the administration would make significant progress in resolving the long-standing gratuity challenge before the next election cycle, describing the issue as important to restoring dignity and confidence among retired workers.
Beyond the issue of pensions, Aguocha stressed the importance of cooperation between elected representatives and the executive arm of government. He said political actors should continue to communicate the concerns of their constituents while government must remain responsive to legitimate demands.
The lawmaker described Governor Otti as a leader who listens to genuine concerns and acts on them, arguing that such responsiveness is essential for effective governance.
“As a team, we advocate for our people, our leader gracefully listens and promptly implements. Abia State is truly blessed with His Excellency, Gov. Alex Otti,” Aguocha said.
His comments come amid ongoing public debate over the performance of the Otti administration, with supporters pointing to infrastructure and institutional reforms while critics continue to demand greater attention to unresolved challenges.
Aguocha maintained that the administration should be assessed not only by individual projects but by the broader direction of development in Abia. At the same time, he acknowledged that governance is an ongoing process that requires continuous attention to citizens’ needs.
He called for sustained advocacy, responsible leadership and constructive engagement, expressing confidence that the Otti administration would consolidate its achievements while addressing outstanding concerns.
For Aguocha, the broader objective remains the creation of an Abia State where development is visible, government is responsive and citizens have renewed confidence in the future.
