By CHARLES IWUOHA

The First Military Administrator of Abia State, Air Vice Marshall Frank Ajobena (Rtd), has commended Governor Alex Otti for what he described as a remarkable restoration of hope and purposeful governance in the state.

Ajobena, who came on a solidarity visit to Dr. Otti on Friday, said that under the Otti-led administration, Abia has once again become a reference point for quality leadership in Nigeria.

Air Vice Marshall Ajobena (rtd) described his visit to the State as a “wonderful homecoming", noting that it was his first time in Abia State in over 14 years.

He said the visit gave him the opportunity to personally verify the positive reports he had been hearing about the State under Governor Alex Otti.

Drawing from a biblical analogy, Ajobena said he came like the Queen of Sheba to see for himself the works he had heard about, adding that as the founding military administrator of the state, he had always felt a deep sense of responsibility towards Abia State.

He said that when he assumed duty in August 1991, the enthusiasm of the people was infectious, and recalled the eagerness to make Abia great, but regretting that the enthusiasm waned due to bad leadership.

He particularly praised the Aba Power Project, describing Aba as the “Taiwan of Nigeria” due to the ingenuity of its people, which, according to him, only required the right leadership to thrive.

While commending Governor Otti for his “selfless service,” Ajobena urged him not to be discouraged by critics and cynics, noting that detractors are inevitable in leadership.

“A lot has changed. Honestly, I could not recognise some places. I am very proud of what I see.” Ajobena stated.

The former Military Administrator called on stakeholders and critics to support Governor Otti, insisting that continuity is necessary for sustained development.

“You don’t change a winning team. He (Gov. Otti) is doing very well. Everyone should support him to continue and complete what he has started," Ajobena said.

Welcoming his guest in his Office, Governor Otti expressed delight over the visit, thanking him for his service and sacrifice to the state. Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to people-centred governance.

The Governor, who acknowledged the challenges Air Vice Marshall Ajobena faced in governing the state at its teething stage, praised the foundational work carried out between 1991 and 1992 in the state, describing him as a true founding father.

The Governor noted that his own administration is focused on building upon that legacy.

"I want to congratulate you for the work you did between 1991 and 1992.

"That foundational work was so critical, thank you for the work you did in Abia State," Otti said.

He used the opportunity to explain that the decision to operate temporarily from the current location was due to the poor condition of the Government House complex in Umuahia.

Otti explained that both the Governor's Office and Official Residence buildings had failed integrity tests and were completely pulled down for reconstruction.

“We are actually rebuilding them, and it is going very well. Very soon, we will complete the two buildings and move in,” he stated.

Otti emphasised that his administration believes that governance is about building on the foundations laid by exemplary predecessors, stressing that the ultimate measure of success is the happiness and well-being of the people.

“Anytime governance moves away from making people happy, then the government has failed,” he stated.

He noted his interventions, such as the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road in Aba, the construction of the SSG's Building, remodeling of the Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, and the ongoing rebuilding of the Government House, as part of the measures his administration has put in place to reposition Abia State and restore her lost glory.

The Ex-Military Administrator was accompanied on the visit by his son, Flight Lieutenant Terry Ajobena (rtd), while the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Mereibeole, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, among others, were present during the solidarity visit.

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