By CHARLES IWUOHA

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, says his successor in 2031 will be better than him, as he is laying a solid foundation for the development of the State.

Governor Otti stated this during the ground reception service organised in his honour by the Assemblies of God Church, Okaiuga - Nkwoegwu, Umuahia North LGA.

The Governor said that he is just starting, and the time for the aggressive development of Abia State is now, adding that the curse that had held the State down has be broken.

"We have just started. We are not three years yet. So, you can imagine what will happen by the time we are done in 2031.

"So, you know there is a time and a season for everything. So, what we have started is the time for the aggressive development of Abia State.

"The news I have for Abia people is that, we have broken that curse that held us down.

"And whoever is going to succeed me will be better than me. So, when people think we are going to go back to them, they must be dreaming. We've moved" Gov. Otti declared.

Governor Otti said that, he believes in Psalms chapter 62 verse 11, which declared that, "God has spoken once, twice, have I heard this? That power belongs to God.

"So, you can do everything you want to do. But, if it wasn't God's time, it will not work. And when it's God's time, even if you are sleeping, God will wake you up", Gov. Otti stated.

Responding to their request on provision of bus for evangelism and land for prayer camp, Governor Otti confirmed to them that they would receive a hummer bus this week, courtesy of Prince, Dr. Arthur Eze, one of their guests.

He also directed the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, to meet with the Church leadership and work out modalities for securing a land for them as requested.

The State Chief Executive, who appreciated Churches in the State for the support given to his administration, thanked Assemblies of God Church for the reception organised for him.

Earlier in his speech, the District Superintendent, Assemblies of God Church, Jerusalem District, Rev. Dr Kenneth Ogbudu described the reception ceremony as a significant moment of history, and appreciation.

He said that Dr. Alex Otti is a transformational leader whose emergence has redefined governance in Abia State. He noted that, many administrations have come and gone but Governor Otti's tenure represents a clear and commendable departure from the past.

"For the first time in our state's history, governance is driven by competence, transparency, accountability, visible impact, and more promises and verifiable results.

"Under your (Gov. Otti's) leadership, Abia State has witnessed a bold and deliberate restoration of public infrastructure. Roads abandoned for decades have been reconstructed and reopened,

"Connecting communities, easing transportation, stimulating commerce, and restoring the dignity of both urban and rural environments," Rev. Ogbudu declared.

Rev. Ogbudu went further to note that the renewal of critical road networks across Aba and beyond by Governor Otti has revived economic activities and repositioned Abia State as a credible destination for investment.

He also said that, beyond infrastructure, the administration has introduced "a new culture of fiscal discipline and prudent resource management.

"Salaries and pensions are now paid with regularity and respect, restoring hope and dignity to the workers and retirees who were once forgotten.

"For the first time since the creation of Abia State, public funds are being managed with transparency, accountability and confidence.

“Your excellency has also demonstrated uncommon courage in institutional reforms, cleaning up public systems, strengthening governance structures, and insisting that public office must serve the people rather than personal interests,” Rev. Ogbudu maintained.

The servant of God used the opportunity to request the Governor to provide them with a Hummer bus to support evangelism and the allocation of land for a prayer village for the Church.

The wife of the Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly and other members, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba Ph.D, Commissioner for Transport Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants to the Governor, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Sir Chris Onwuegbu among others were present at the reception service.

• Governor Otti and wife, Priscilla Otti

Update news