THE recent preoccupation of UMU-OKOKO in the guise of Abia Social Media Opposition with the decision of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Kenneth Kalu (FCA), to take a leave of absence underscores their lack of substantive issues to engage or critique the Government and further highlights the progress being made by Governor Alex Otti’s administration.
It is a globally accepted standard practice for individuals in public office to take a leave of absence when necessary, and portraying or dwelling on such a routine decision as controversial only demonstrates a deliberate though futile attempt to distract Ndi Abia from the remarkable strides the government is making in serving them.
This pattern of baseless criticism is not new. The opposition has, in recent months, resorted to frivolous narratives to create unnecessary drama/content and divert attention from the positive impacts of Governor Otti’s leadership.
For instance, they had a victory party to celebrate President Tinubu’s physical absence during the commissioning of the Port-Harcourt Road and other remarkable projects in Abia, conveniently ignoring the fact that the projects themselves are clear evidence of the administration’s commitment to the development of the State and the welfare of the ordinary people. Similarly, they went on a virtual rampage to spread falsehoods, claiming that Governor Otti was denied access to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu (MNK) at the Sokoto Correctional Facility where he went to see the Abia son, without any proof to back their assertions.
Further, they alleged and celebrated that President Tinubu refused to meet with Governor Otti when he went to see Mr. President in the villa, while simultaneously accusing the Governor of orchestrating the dismissal of their “Chief Wailer”— a funny and slippery character who was reportedly sacked even before inauguration, for tax evasion by President Tinubu after his meeting with Governor Otti. These contradictory and unfounded claims reveal a desperate attempt to remain relevant by manufacturing controversies where none exist.
The truth is that Governor Alex Otti’s administration remains focused on its mandate to rebuild Abia State and improve the welfare of Ndi Abia. The government has prioritized infrastructure development, economic revitalization, and transparent governance, and these efforts are already yielding visible results.
The opposition’s inability to engage with these substantive achievements and their reliance on petty distractions only confirm that they have no credible alternative to offer. In the new Abia, those who plundered and squandered our common patrimony in the past with their displaced belgium e-Rats have become unemployable liabilities unto themselves since Governor Otti offloaded them into the labour market as burden and liabilities unto the State and the people.
Governor Otti’s administration will not be deterred by the diversionary antics from Umu-Okoko. Instead, The Government remains committed to delivering on its promises and ensuring that Abia State continues on the path of progress and development.
The people of Abia deserve leadership that prioritizes their interests over and above political theatrics, and that is exactly what Governor Otti is delivering.
CITIZEN UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA, is the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia state.
