Peter Okoye, PBA Journalism Mentee
Abia State Governor-elect, Alex Otti, has pledged that his government will render an open, transparent, and accountable service to the good people of the State.
The Governor-elect made this known in his acceptance speech on Wednesday evening in Umuahia, after he was declared the winner of the 18th March gubernatorial election in the state.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelDr Otti appealed to the people of the State to come forward with their good ideas on how the State can be moved to a greater height.
He said: “I want to reassure you that we are going to run an open, transparent and accountable government devoid of waste and profligacy. Our doors will remain wide open and our channels of communication will remain unfettered so that your worthy contributions and suggestions will be a guiding light as we together navigate the thorny paths of rebuilding the state and transforming the same for the benefit of all.”
He further noted that there is a lot of work to be done and urged the people of the State to put in their best to ensure that the State returns to its original glory.
READ ALSO: INEC Finally Declares Alex Otti Winner Of Abia Guber Election
He promised to serve as a Governor of all Abians and all citizens living in Abia State, irrespective of clan, religious persuasion, or political leaning, and to use the resources accruing to all Abians for the benefit of the state.
Otti also reaffirmed his promise of clearing the outstanding debts to all the civil servants and pensioners in the state and also address the issue of infrastructural decay which has held the State’s development over the years.
“I made a firm promise to all civil servants and pensioners owed salaries, pensions and emoluments that an immediate payment plan would be put in place to ensure that this gets the priority it deserves.
“I am very much aware and prepared to deal with the issues of infrastructural decay which have continued to militate against our growth and development as a state. This will be tackled head-on.
“There is no doubt that given the deplorable state of our infrastructure, roads, schools and health systems, Abians are deservedly impatient to have these issues addressed as quickly as possible. I assure you that these areas will receive the priority attention of our government”, Otti said.
The Governor-elect, however, reminded the people of Abia that all the work can’t be done at once and pleaded for their support as his government will swing into action immediately after swearing in to restore the cities in Abia State, especially: Aba, Umuahia, etc.
He appreciated all those who have contributed to his victory at the polls. he particularly paid tribute to those who lost their lives while working for his success in all the elections he had contested and promised that his team will do its best in making sure that the good people of Abia State are not disappointed.
The incumbent governor Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has congratulated Otti on emerging as the governor-elect and urged him to see the victory as a call to service for the Abia people. Ikpeazu also assured him of his support, while urging other contestants in the governorship race to cooperate with the incoming governor and not distract his administration with court cases so that the state can move forward.
